Change: Cautious and Organic Approach (Edmund Burke) (Edexcel A-Level Politics): Revision Notes
5.3.3 Change: Cautious and Organic Approach (Edmund Burke)
Edmund Burke
Edmund Burke (1729-1797) was an Irish-born politician, philosopher, and writer, widely regarded as the father of modern conservatism.
His political philosophy emerged in the context of the late 18th century, a time of significant social and political upheaval, particularly influenced by the events of the French Revolution. Burke served as a Member of Parliament in Britain and was an influential figure in the Whig Party. His most famous work, Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790), was a direct response to the radical changes occurring in France and set out his foundational conservative principles.
Influence of the French Revolution
Burke was profoundly affected by the French Revolution, which he viewed as a catastrophic event.
Unlike the Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England, which he saw as a legitimate, measured, and necessary change that preserved traditional institutions, the French Revolution represented, in his eyes, a dangerous and radical upheaval of society. Burke feared that the revolution's attempt to completely remake society based on abstract principles rather than respect for tradition and history would lead to chaos and tyranny.
Burke's Beliefs on Change
Political Change Should Be Undertaken with Great Caution
- Burke believed that political change should be approached with extreme caution.
- He argued that society is a complex and organic entity, where traditions and institutions develop over time through the collective wisdom of generations. Therefore, sudden or radical changes could destabilise society and undermine the social order.
- Burke advocated for gradual, evolutionary change rather than revolutionary upheaval. He believed that reforms should be made organically, in response to specific issues, and in a manner that respects and preserves the existing social fabric.
The State
- Burke viewed the state as an organic entity that evolves over time. He believed that the state should be a reflexion of the accumulated wisdom and traditions of the past.
- The state's primary role was to maintain order and stability, protecting society from the dangers of radical change. Burke argued that the state's authority derives from its continuity with the past, and therefore, any changes to the state should be made incrementally, ensuring that they do not disrupt the established order.
Hierarchy
- For Burke, hierarchy was a natural and necessary component of society. He believed that social hierarchies evolved over time and were essential for maintaining order and stability.
- Burke viewed the aristocracy as the guardians of tradition and believed they had a duty to govern in the best interests of society. He argued that attempts to dismantle or radically alter these hierarchies, as seen in the French Revolution, would lead to social disorder and the breakdown of authority.
Society
- Burke's concept of society was deeply rooted in the idea of an organic society. He believed that society is not just a collection of individuals but a living organism that evolves over time.
- Each generation has a duty to preserve and pass on the traditions, institutions, and values that have been inherited from the past. Burke argued that this continuity is essential for maintaining social stability and cohesion.
- He viewed attempts to impose abstract principles or utopian ideals on society as dangerous, as they ignored the complexities of human nature and the importance of tradition.