Harbour, pp. 82-112, pp. 139-145, pp. 150-160

1. There are two strands of thought that are prevalent in Conservative moral theory – a reverence for tradition and a belief in an objective and absolute moral system. This may seem to be at odds. Why might one mistake conservatives for cultural relativists?

2. Explain the significance of the examples regarding parental duties and the opposition to the women’s movement. What do these say about the source and grounding of obligation for conservatives. How is this different from the ‘social contract’ view that they oppose?

3. Conservatives try to reconcile the tradition and the absolute strands by three strategies. Explain the presumptive strategy. What is its drawback?

4. The second strategy involves what Harbour calls, ‘prudence’ or what might be thought of as ‘common-sense application’. What is this strategy and how does it attempt to unite the two conflicting ideals? What is its drawback?

5. The third strategy is that of ‘attunement’. What is it and what is its drawback?

6. [Which strategy do you find the most persuasive? Why? Can you think of any defences that can be offered to Harbour’s criticisms?]

7. "Conservatism holds that an orderly and morally healthy society requires a general belief in the existence of an absolute ordering to the universe." (p. 97) What, according to conservatives, is the only alternative. How could you defend this claim? How could you attack it?

8. There are three main planks of the conservative value platform. What are they? How are they supposed to be related? What happens if one or more of these virtues are ignored or downplayed?

9. [Note that Harbour distinguishes between ‘libertarian’ conservatives and ‘traditionalist’ conservatives. ‘Libertarian’ conservatives are different from libertarians, per se. (Harbour classes Friedman not as a conservative but as a classical liberal.)]

10. How do these two camps of conservatives deal with issues such as welfare, abortion, homosexuality, etc. How is this different from liberal ways of dealing with the same problems?

11. What are the two camp’s views on capitalism? How is capitalism defended/attacked? Are these persuasive? Give reasons for your preference.

12. Conservatives have traditionally been suspicious of democracy. What are some of their fears? Why do they endorse it then?

13. Why do conservatives think that democracy can only succeed in the proper culture? What type of culture is best suited for democracy? How does ‘moral damage’ hinder democracy? Do you find their view persuasive? Why or why not?

14. What institutional measures do conservatives support? What is their main concern in politics? Is it a legitimate concern? Are these measures anti-democratic? Support your reasons.

15. Note that for conservatives, the defence of property has changed dramatically. Be aware of the original defence of ‘hard’ property.

16. Note also the interesting alliance between socialists and conservatives in their attack on ‘soft’ property. This ties in strongly with populist strands of conservatism.

17. Why does a conservative commitment to capitalism clash with the idea of a healthy, ordered society?