I'm still not sure this works, for me. It doesn't allow defining what the 'conservative' position is in the first place. How far back do you go? It still sounds very fluid.
I see what you're saying, that this is one definition of 'conservative', one that defines positions on a given issue based on existing laws, etc.
But I think I'm asking about something different -- I'm looking for a definition of the 'political philosophy' that has come to be known as 'Conservative'.
A million years ago, when I was younger, 'L' meant collectivist/socialist and 'C' meant capitalist/individualist.
It seems that the definitions are shifting, at least that's my perception.
Care to comment on the X-Y axis theory I proposed?
I'm sorry, I should have mentioned it.
I basically agree, yes. Altho I do think that is simplifying it a bit, but it's a good working model.
I'm not talking about the 'change' concept, myself, mainly because everyone I know on all sides of all issues want 'change', if not on a grand scale then on a small one.
I'm a system's architect. My 'OOA' is that there are two parts to politics, the same as any other 'problem-solving' system --
Each has it's own pitfalls, but the real devil is in the details. When it comes to deciding on 'goals' for our laws, that to me is not subject to the 'L/C' distinction. Pretty much everyone desires freedom, prosperity, and all that.
The seperation comes in when discussing the details, the 'methods' to achieve those goals.
And I see two clear-cut philosophies to achieve goals we set for our govt:
I *thought* this was the meaning of "politically liberal" v. "politically conservative". I'm pretty sure it use to be, anyway.
That's what my X-Y chart gives. The goals are plotted out on the C/L axis, and the methods on the individualism/totalitarianism axis. Gun control is an example where the Conservative goal is promoted by appeal to individualism as a motive, and the Liberal goal is promoted via governmental power. Abortion is the inverse, with the Liberals appealing to individual choice and the Conservatives seeking governmental restriction.
I'm looking for a definition of the 'political philosophy' that has come to be known as 'Conservative'.
If anything, I think the basic philosophy is, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it.", while the Libs is, "Try something new, even if it's wrong." As such, Conservatives are concerned with consequences, while Libs try to deny or escape them.