Political Science 374 - 11-12 - Russell Kirk and Edmund Burke.docx

| Page Political Science 374 12-Nov-09 Final Exam will take place on December 3, 2009 in HSS 60 ? 7:15 PM Russell Kirk Lived from 1918 ? 1994 Known and widely regarded as the founder of the American Conservative movement in the post-WW2 era. Kirk did not believe in any one, ideal form of government. Pg 646: ?There is no suitable form?? From Burke to Elliot Ten Principles of Anglo ? American Conservatism 1. The conservative believes that there exists an enduring moral order. This tends to reflect a belief in natural law. Moral truths are fixed and permanent. 2. The conservative adheres to custom, convention, and continuity. When change is necessary, it should be slow and gradual so as not to abruptly or arbitrarily uproot established interests. 3. Conservatives believe in what may be called the principle of prescription. You abide by a precedent and precept. 4. Conservatives are guided by their principle of prudence. Conservatives act only after sufficient reflection, having weighed the consequences of any particular decision instead of being shortsighted and fleeting. 5. Conservatives pay attention to the principle of variety. We must recognize and respect natural and institutional differences. Diversity, to Kirk, refers to inequality. 6. Conservatives are chastened by their principle of imperfectability. For Kirk?s conservatism, utopia is impossible and secular rationalism incompatible in the true nature of man. 7. Conservatives are persuaded that freedom and property are closely linked. Private property must be reflected in law and be protected by law and the government. Economic leveling is not conducive with economic progress or liberty. 8. Conservatives uphold voluntary community, quite as they oppose involuntary collectivism. 9. The conservative perceives the need for prudent restraints upon power and upon human passions. 10. The thinking conservative understands that permanence and change must be recognized and reconciled in a vigorous society. Prudent change is the means of social preservation. Change things too radically and they will spin out of control. Edmund Burke?s ?Six Tenets of 18th Century Radicalism? Pg. 652 - The work discusses things from the 18th century that need to be repudiated 1. Deism and the new-model god of Rousseau. 2. The perfectibility of man does not exist and is not possible 3. Man is a naturally benevolent, beautiful, healthy soul. 4. The traditions of man are tangled in myths 5. Mankind is capable of reaching Elysium (a perfect, ideal utopia) 6. The use of political power cannot be used as an instrument of reform. The Roots of American Order ? The origins of a certain American civil order in the annals of history. (pp 663-664) Hebrew Roots Law of Moses Some of the teachings of some of the prophets Most important is natural law (higher law) and philosophy The Hebraic understanding of covenant. Pg. 656 ?The Principle difference between the?.? Greco-Roman Roots From the Greeks, we get the idea of a solemn law giver and the ideals of Plato and Aristotle. Prudence, checks and balances, mixed government, compromises between classes. Plato ? Was considered to be a quasi-Christian. God is the measure of all things and the affirmation of a mortal, individual soul. Roman ? the beliefs of Plebes and Cicero Early and Medieval Christian Roots