Why conservatives are noble, and why they are not ( Mark A. Patterson)

This piece is written by Mark A. Patterson, a Politics graduate who is studying for a Masters degree in Political Philosophy - Sam.

I have many memories from my three years of undergraduate study at the University of Sheffield, some good, some bad, many drunk, but a few are writ indelibly in my mind. Prominent among these are the hours I spent debating over the question of the welfare state with Sam, conversations that often boiled down to disagreements over first principles. Sam’s religion versus my crypto-socialist crypto-humanism: there could be no winner, since mere debate will never lead to changes in the foundations of one’s world-view. Only experience and genuine reflection can do that. Though we never reached a synthesis, and sometimes it did feel a bit like banging heads against brick-walls, I admired and admire still the passionate conviction that animates Sam, as well as his belief in the truth of love. Therefore, in consideration of his interest in conservatism and conservative people and parties, I have written a little of my own view of conservatism. I’m sure Sam can vouch for the fact that I am no longer as scathing as I once was, although I am afraid that I still consider Ronald Reagan a false icon.

It is easy to attack conservatives, particularly in this country where the Tories have a rather grey appearance. They appeal to the older voter, the well-heeled and the busybodies. They do not generally concern themselves with appearing exciting or full of new ideas. They also populate their ranks with certain figures who might be more at home at a particularly macabre circus. On top of this, and here I must tread carefully, they sometimes appear hypocritical. To take a tough line on social and moral questions while tolerating sexual and financial misdemeanours and outright criminal activity in their own ranks is hardly something that endears a party, even to those who might share some of their private lifestyle choices. Conservatives generally pride themselves on their honesty, yet fall short of telling the whole truth – of course, I am not claiming that the current Labour administration fares any better on these grounds. However, with all this out of the way, there are reasons to admire conservatives that may not appear obvious to those who committed to social change, either in principle (like myself) or in practice (like those less lazy than myself). Conservatives often represent some of the more prudent and productive values of humankind. Making money is not always a virtue, but conservatives generally recognise that it needs to be made in order for needs to be met. They often set a good example of thrift and self-reliance, qualities which do not express the greatest benevolence but are nonetheless vital to learn for a fulfilled life. As Sam never fails to point out, they are usually committed to local concerns, politics and action, and supportive of organisations that work alongside the state, such as charities. While Thatcher may have said that there was no such thing as society, conservatives have tended to believe in community, and communities are not just about liberal tolerance but also about history, tradition and rootedness.

To sum up, I do not share Sam’s faith in conservative politics, but I do appreciate that their ideas and voices add something to discourse in this country that cannot and should not be ignored, and may in fact act as a useful corrective against other tendencies - Mark. A. Patterson.