Human Imperfection (OCR A-Level Politics): Revision Notes

5.1.3 Human Imperfection

Introduction to Human Imperfection in Conservatism

• Conservatism is built on the belief that humans are inherently flawed and imperfect in psychological, moral, and intellectual capacities.
• Conservatives argue that due to these imperfections, individuals require guidance from established institutions and traditions to ensure stability, security, and gradual, organic change.
• Thomas Hobbes, in the Leviathan, used this phrase to describe humanity outside of a society:

'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short'.

Connection Between Generations

• Wisdom of the Past: Conservatives believe that the imperfections of human nature necessitate a reliance on the accumulated wisdom of past generations. By adhering to tradition, each generation benefits from the lessons learned by their predecessors, helping to prevent the repetition of past mistakes.
• Intergenerational Continuity: This connection between generations ensures that societal values and norms are passed down, providing a stable framework within which individuals can navigate their imperfections. Tradition acts as a guide, offering tried-and-tested solutions to the challenges posed by human nature.

Stability

• Need for Order: Given the conservative view that humans are psychologically prone to impulsiveness and irrationality, stability becomes a paramount concern. The unpredictability of human behaviour can lead to social unrest if not properly managed.
• Role of Institutions: To counteract this, conservatives advocate for strong, enduring institutions—such as the family, the legal system, and the state—that provide the necessary stability to society. These institutions act as anchors, helping individuals manage their imperfections by offering structure and continuity.

Links with Organic Change

• Gradualism: Conservatives prefer organic change over radical reforms, reflecting their belief in human intellectual imperfection. Since humans have limited understanding and foresight, conservatives argue that societal changes should occur slowly and naturally, allowing time to assess the consequences of new policies or ideas.
• Evolution Over Revolution: This gradual approach to change helps ensure that society adapts in a way that is sustainable and minimises disruption. By building on what has worked in the past, conservatives believe that society can evolve without the risks associated with abrupt or revolutionary change.
• Protection from Instability: Human moral imperfection, such as selfishness and greed, can lead to conflict and disorder. Conservatives argue that strong, traditional institutions provide security by imposing moral and legal boundaries that individuals might otherwise ignore.
• Dependence on Authority: To ensure security, conservatives emphasise the importance of authority figures—such as the state, religious leaders, and community elders—who can guide individuals and enforce societal norms, helping to prevent the chaos that might arise from unchecked human impulses.

Human Nature

• Flawed and Imperfect: Conservatives see human nature as fundamentally flawed, characterised by emotional impulsiveness, moral weaknesses, and intellectual limitations. This view underpins their scepticism of radical ideologies that assume people are capable of perfectibility.
• Need for Guidance: Due to these inherent flaws, conservatives believe that individuals require guidance from tradition, authority, and established institutions. Without such guidance, humans are likely to make poor decisions that could destabilise society.

The State

• Role of the State: The conservative view of human imperfection justifies a state that is strong but limited. The state is seen as necessary to maintain order and enforce laws, given that individuals cannot be trusted to always act in their own best interests or the interests of society.
• Pragmatic Governance: Conservatives support a state that governs pragmatically, responding to the real-world needs of society rather than imposing ideological solutions. This approach reflects their belief that human intellectual imperfection requires governance that is flexible and adaptable.

Society

• Organic Society: Conservatives view society as an organic entity that evolves over time. This perspective is influenced by the belief that humans, with their psychological and moral flaws, are better served by a society that changes gradually and respects tradition.
• Social Cohesion: By emphasising tradition and the wisdom of past generations, conservatives believe society can maintain cohesion and order, preventing the fragmentation that might result from human imperfections if left unchecked.

The Economy

• Economic Prudence: In economic matters, conservatives argue for a cautious approach, recognising that human intellectual imperfection means that economic decisions should be made prudently, with an eye towards long-term stability rather than short-term gains.
• Role of Tradition in the Economy: The economy, like society, is seen as something that should evolve organically. Conservatives typically favour policies that reflect traditional values, such as fiscal responsibility and the protection of property rights, which are believed to provide the economic security that flawed human beings need.