What Do Conservatives Stand For?
Conservatives often face scrutiny and criticism for their actions and policies. However, understanding the underlying principles of conservatism can clarify the seemingly contradictory viewpoints they often hold. This article aims to dissect conservative ideology, drawing on Frank Wilhoit's analysis, to provide a clear and concise overview.
Power and Corrupt Governments
Perhaps one of the most contentious aspects of conservative governance is the accusation of corruption. In the UK, the past few years have seen a stark example of this. For instance, the Conservative government, led by Rishi Sunak, is accused of giving tens of billions of pounds in contracts to friends of cabinet ministers and then writing off the debt without investigation. Ministers who broke the code of ethics and refused to resign when found guilty have only added to the scandal. This behavior has led many to question the integrity of the government.
Conservative Ideology: A Single Proposition
According to Frank Wilhoit, the concept of political philosophy known as conservatism is centered around a single proposition: 'There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.' This statement encapsulates the core tenets of conservatism and predicts the political positions and actions of self-described conservatives.
Wilhoit's analysis reveals that the contradictions seen in conservative behavior are not random or nonsensical, but are instead a result of the conservative desire to maintain these in-groups and out-groups within the legal system. By understanding this fundamental principle, we can better comprehend why conservatives may support or oppose certain policies and actions.
The Realities of Conservatism
Wilhoit further posits that there is no such thing as 'liberalism,' 'progressivism,' or any other political philosophy as we understand it. Instead, every other idea is driven out of circulation by conservatism. Anti-conservatism, as a political philosophy, does not yet exist, as it has not been fully defined or developed. However, to understand anti-conservatism, we must first clearly define conservatism.
Conservatism, in its purest form, is about preserving and maintaining specific groups within society while excluding others. This principle is based on the idea that those in power, often identified as 'in-groups,' should be protected from the rule of law while those outside this group must adhere to it. This is a system that has been in place for millennia, even in the absence of a monarch or other dictating figure.
The core proposition of conservatism is indefensible if stated baldly. Therefore, it is often surrounded by a complex web of pseudophilosophy, which over time has amounted to millions of pages of misleading and dishonest content. Today, with the increasing de-education of society, this pseudophilosophy is losing its appeal. The current and future task is to discard all this misleading content and start fresh with the core proposition of conservatism, as it is both necessary and sufficient.
Conclusion: A Sufficient Yet Necessary Proposition
The core proposition of conservatism, as outlined by Wilhoit, is sufficient yet necessary. It states that the law cannot protect anyone unless it binds everyone, and it cannot bind anyone unless it protects everyone. This principle is so fundamental that there is no need for further supplementation or exegesis. It defines the essence of conservatism and explains why certain seemingly contradictory actions are taken by conservatives.