Editing Political philosophy (section)

=== Conservatism ===
{{main|Conservatism}}
[[File:Edmund Burke EMWEA.jpg|thumb|alt=Black-and-white portrait of a man in a formal attire sitting next to a desk|[[Edmund Burke]] was an early defender of conservatism, stressing the importance of the accumulated wisdom of past generations and the danger of radical change.<ref name="Laslett 2006 loc=§ The Federalist, Burke, and Paine">{{multiref | {{harvnb|Laslett|Cummings|2006|loc=§ The Federalist, Burke, and Paine}} | {{harvnb|Moseley|loc=§ 3b. Conservatism}} }}</ref>]]
Conservatism is a school of political thought that seeks to preserve and promote traditional institutions and practices. It is typically driven by [[skepticism]] about the human ability to radically reconceive and reform society, arguing that such attempts, guided by a limited understanding of the consequences, often result in more harm than good. Conservatives give more weight to the wisdom of historical experience than the abstract ideals of [[reason]]. They assert that since established institutions and practices have passed the test of time, they serve as foundations of stability and continuity. Despite its preference for the [[status quo]], conservatism is not opposed to political and social change in general but advocates for a cautious approach. It maintains that change should happen as a gradual and natural evolution rather than through radical reform to ensure that political arrangements deemed valuable are preserved.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Moseley|loc=§ 3b. Conservatism}} | {{harvnb|Hamilton|2020|loc=Lead section}} | {{harvnb|Kekes|2013|pp=249–250}} | {{harvnb|Vincent|2009|pp=56–59}} }}</ref>

While the exact institutions and practices to be preserved depend on the specific cultural and historical context of a society, conservatives generally emphasize the importance of family, religion, and national identity. They tend to support private property as a safeguard against state power and some forms of social security for the poor to maintain societal stability.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Moseley|loc=§ 3b. Conservatism}} | {{harvnb|Hamilton|2020|loc=Lead section, § 1.3 Tradition and Gradual Reform: Conservatism vs. Reaction}} }}</ref>

Distinct strands of conservative thought follow different but overlapping approaches. [[Authoritarian conservatism]] prioritizes centralized, established authorities over the judgment of individuals. [[Traditionalist conservatism]] sees general customs, conventions, and traditions as the guiding principles that inform both established institutions and individual judgments. Romantic or [[reactionary]] conservatism is driven by [[nostalgia]] and seeks to restore an earlier state of society deemed superior. Other discussed types include [[paternalistic conservatism]], which argues that those in power should care for the less privileged, and [[liberal conservatism]], which includes the emphasis on individual liberties and economic freedoms in the conservative agenda.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Kekes|2013|pp=250–252}} | {{harvnb|Vincent|2009|pp=63–67}} | {{harvnb|Stenner|2009|pp=142–143}} }}</ref>

Different criticisms of conservatism have been proposed. Some focus on its resistance to change and lack of innovation, arguing that the prioritization of the status quo perpetuates existing problems and stifles progress. In particular, this concerns situations in which rapidly evolving societal challenges require dynamic, flexible, and creative responses. Another objection targets conservative skepticism about the capacity of reason to effectively address complex social issues, arguing that this skepticism is exaggerated and hinders well-thought-out reforms and meaningful improvements. Some critics state that conservatism reinforces established social hierarchies and inequalities, benefiting primarily privileged social classes.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Hamilton|2020|loc=§ 3. Critiques of conservatism}} | {{harvnb|Moseley|loc=§ 3b. Conservatism}} }}</ref>