The Meaning of Conservatism

First published in 1980, The Meaning of Conservatism is now recognized as a major contribution to political thought and the liveliest and most provocative modern statement of the traditional "paleo-conservative" position. Roger Scruton challenges both those who regard themselves as conservatives and their opponents.

Key Arguments and Themes

• Conservatism vs. Liberalism:
  Scruton argues that conservatism has little in common with liberalism and is only tenuously related to the market economy, monetarism, free enterprise, or capitalism.
• The Role of the State:
  Conservatism, according to Scruton, involves neither hostility toward the state nor a desire to limit the state's obligations toward the citizen. Instead, its conceptions of society, law, and citizenship view the individual not as the premise but as the conclusion of politics.
• Opposition to Social Justice and Equality:
  It is fundamentally opposed to the ethic of social justice, as well as to equality of station, opportunity, income, and achievement. Additionally, it resists attempts to bring major institutions of society—such as schools and universities—under government control.

Root Conceptions

The root conceptions of conservatism are loyalty, allegiance, community, and tradition. The conservative vision of society emphasizes:

• Autonomous Institutions and Private Initiative:
  A society where these elements predominate is central to the conservative ideal.
• The Role of Law:
  The law is seen as a protector of the shared values that bind the community together, rather than as a defender of the rights of those who might seek to disrupt the community.

This thought-provoking work presents a bold and challenging perspective on conservatism, making it essential reading for anyone interested in political philosophy and the foundations of conservative thought.