Christopher Burke Conservatism

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‘Burke is a conservative thinker and therefore opposed to change.’ DISCUSS ‘We must not attempt to fly, when we can scarcely pretend to creep.’ The words of Burke himself seem almost apt for describing the caution with which one must to approach this essay title. At first glance Burkes championing of the prejudices of his forefathers combined with he’s fierce criticism of the French Revolution, seem damming evidence to support the view that he was a strong opponent of change. However, this conclusion seems to be unjust. Robert Peel suggests conservatism can be described as ‘changing what you have to in order to preserve what you can’. If we accept this premise we can disregard the conclusion that Burke was of not of the opinion that change must be avoided altogether. Therefore it could be suggested that the discussion perhaps lies in how Burkes…show more content…
A major movement was the enlightenment. The enlightenment was in direct contrast to these views as it brought about a caviller dismissal of the prejudices that Burke sought to protect. Furthermore contrary to the conservative view the enlightened individuals promoted reason over reasonableness, as they believed this would liberate man from the oppression as the result of old laws. It would be foolish not to write this essay and not address Burke’s views on the French revolution. Burke opposed the instability and the reasoning of the revolution, as well as it’s potential to increase in violence and decline into anarchy, as it later did. Burkes opposition to the French revolution can also be inextricably linked to he’s insight that tradition should be prioritised over reason as he wrote ‘you possessed in some parts the walls and in all the foundations of a noble and venerable castle. You might have repaired those walls; you might have built on those old foundations… but
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