Roger Scruton

How to be a Conservative

21:46 min
Philosophy, Politics, History
264 pages, 2014

In an era of rapid social transformation, Roger Scruton's short offers a critical examination of conservative philosophy that challenges contemporary political discourse. Scruton exposes the growing tensions between traditional values and modern ideological shifts, revealing how societies risk losing their cultural foundations through unchecked global integration, bureaucratic overreach, and erosion of national identities. This short systematically addresses key challenges facing Western democracies: from economic systems and nationalism to environmental stewardship and international relations. By reframing conservatism as a dynamic approach to preserving social goods, Scruton provides a blueprint that connects past, present, and future generations through active engagement and critical understanding.

Roger Scruton

Roger Scruton was a prominent British philosopher who substantially shaped contemporary conservative thought through rigorous intellectual work. As a political philosopher, he developed nuanced arguments defending traditional conservative principles against modern ideological challenges. His intellectual contributions extended beyond academia, providing substantive philosophical foundations for conservative political movements.

Chapters

Conservatism is a philosophical stance protecting inherited social values, emphasizing the delicate balance between preserving tradition and adapting to change while maintaining core freedoms and democratic principles.
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Cover of How to be a Conservative