CONSERVATIVE CLARITY: Navigating the Principles of Conservatism (2024)

Taylor Walsh

Conservative Clarity: Unraveling the Essence of Conservatism

Copyright © 2024 by Taylor Walsh

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Contents

1. Introduction

2. The Politics: Aristotle

Aristotle’s Influence on Political Conservatism: A Historical Perspective

Aristotle: Sage of Wisdom and Political Insight

The Innate Basis of Political Organization

Foundations of Political Life: Aristotle’s Perspective

Examining Aristotle’s Contentious Views

Political Regime of Aristotle

The Oligarch and the Democrat

How to Destroy a Republic

Political Animal or Political Beast?

3. Orthodoxy: Gilbert Keith Chesterton

The Cosmic Patriot

The Ever-laughing Man

The Enigma of Reason and the Intellectual Self-Destruction

The Grandeur of Being and the Remarkable Everyday

I Advocate Liberalism

Sin, Celestial Realms, Inferno, and Political Transformation

4. The New Science of Politics: Eric Voegelin

The Discipline of Cognitive Beheading

The Contest between Caesar and Christ

The Contemporary Heresy: Revolt of Knowledge

5. The Abolition of Man: C. S. Lewis

The Demise of Conservatism and Liberalism

C. S. Lewis: The Individual

Individuals Devoid of Emotional Integrity

The Way

The Abolition of Man

6. Conclusions

1

Introduction

This book, which delves into the realm of literature on literature, is structured into four primary sections, each centering around crucial themes. The first theme explores the essence of conservatism itself, followed by the second theme, which concentrates on the American founding. The third theme delves into economic aspects, while the final theme underscores the significance of cultivating a conservative imagination.

The necessity for discussing the precise nature of conservatism may seem peculiar, as one might assume that conservatives inherently understand their ideology. However, there appears to be a form of negative clarity among conservatives, where they define conservatism by what it is not rather than articulating a positive, coherent account. This negative definition, primarily resisting big government, socialism, high taxes, and unconventional social norms, presents challenges in constructing a robust, positive framework for conservatism.

The word conservative itself lacks substantial meaning without context. Merely stating one is conservative doesn’t convey much, as the crucial question is what one aims to conserve and why. Traditionalism alone cannot serve as an adequate foundation, as illustrated by the example of the Aztec Empire, which upheld brutal practices such as human sacrifice in the name of tradition and religious beliefs.

While appealing to the American founding fathers could add substance to conservatism, it faces challenges in the modern cultural context. The erosion of the founders’ revered status requires conservatives to rearticulate and defend their principles for a contemporary audience. However, reducing conservatism solely to the principles of the American founders may overlook deeper and older foundations that transcend national boundaries.

The first part of the book seeks to uncover the fundamental roots of conservatism by exploring diverse perspectives, including those of an ancient Greek philosopher, a late-Victorian English journalist, a German-born political philosopher from the twentieth century, and a twentieth-century Irish-born Christian apologist. It aims to demonstrate that conservatism is a universal understanding of human nature and its place in the cosmos, extending beyond geographical and temporal boundaries.

Additionally, the book will examine liberalism, an essential antagonist to conservatism, to provide further clarity on the conservative worldview. The analysis of conservative and liberal perspectives will contribute to a deeper understanding of both ideologies. This comprehensive exploration is crucial, considering the potential discrepancy between how certain authors labeled as conservatives today might have identified themselves in their own time, possibly aligning with liberal ideals.

Furthermore, the historical context of the American founding fathers engaging in a