Conservatism: Ideas in Profile

Roger Scruton explores the central ideas of conservatism throughout the centuries, offering a thorough examination of conservative thinking. He delves into key concepts such as:

• Civil society, the rule of law, and the role of the state.
• Freedom, including freedom of expression and association.
• Morality, equality, property, and rights.

Scruton traces the origins and development of conservative ideology through the philosophies and thoughts of influential figures, including John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, David Hume, Edmund Burke, Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, John Ruskin, Michael Oakeshott, Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman, and Robert Nozick.

He further illustrates how conservative ideas have shaped the politics and policies of prominent leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Disraeli, the Earl of Salisbury, Calvin Coolidge, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and Margaret Thatcher.

Additionally, Scruton investigates the integral role of capitalism and free markets in conservative ideology and politics, particularly in the UK and the USA.

Professor Scruton's clear and incisive guide is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the politics and policies of the West, both today and over the past three centuries.