The case for conservatism : three lectures delivered at the University of Washington

Conservative and liberal political impulses have contended throughout the history of the U.S. although there are no major Conservative or Liberal parties in the U.S. Instead, the terms signify general inclinations and prejudices encountered to some degree within all major political parties. In terms of contemporary politics, it is reasonably clear that liberalism and conservatism are meaningful terms. But the dichotomy is subject to much confusion when projected against a wider historical background. Francis Wilson's lectures on conservatism represent a genuinely philosophical approach. He generalizes upon the content of conservative thought without reducing the result to a mere psychological bent or disposition. Francis Wilson's volume was an expression of intellectual renewal of conservative ideas in the post-World War Two period. Initially published in 1951, it gave expression to the body of common belief that then and now constitutes the essence of conservatism. Lucid and temperate, he outlines the principles to which conservatives subscribe and how they have changed. Published in the Library of Conservative Thought series, The Case for Conservatism has continuing relevance to thosewho seek to understand the intellectual roots of the contemporary revival of conservative public policies.

Conservative and liberal political impulses have contended throughout the history of the U.S. although there are no major Conservative or Liberal parties in the U.S. Instead, the terms signify general inclinations and prejudices encountered to some degree within all major political parties.

In terms of contemporary politics, it is reasonably clear that liberalism and conservatism are meaningful terms. But the dichotomy is subject to much confusion when projected against a wider historical background. Francis Wilson’s lectures on conservatism represent a genuinely philosophical approach. He generalizes upon the content of conservative thought without reducing the result to a mere psychological bent or disposition.

Francis Wilson’s volume was an expression of intellectual renewal of conservative ideas in the post-World War Two period. Initially published in 1951, it gave expression to the body of common belief that then and now constitutes the essence of conservatism. Lucid and temperate, he outlines the principles to which conservatives subscribe and how they have changed. Published in the Library of Conservative Thought series, The Case for Conservatism has continuing relevance to those who seek to understand the intellectual roots of the contemporary revival of conservative public policies.

Conservative and liberal political impulses have contended throughout the history of the United States, although there are no major Conservative or Liberal parties in the United States. Instead, the terms signify general inclinations and prejudices encouraged to some degree within all major political parties. As Russell Kirk notes in his introduction, throughout the nineteenth century, public men generally professed conservative assumptions, whatever their practical policies. Only with the ascent of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and continuing to recent years did liberalism begin to predominate in morals and politics. Francis Wilsons slim volume was an expression of intellectual renewal of conservative ideas in the post-World War II period. Initially published in 1951, it gave expression to the body of common belief that then and now constitutes the essence of conservatism. Lucid and temperate he outlines the principles to which conservatives subscribe and how they have changed. Published in Russell Kirks Library of Conservative Thought series, The Case for Conservatism has continuing relevance to those who would understand the intellectual roots of the contemporary revival of conservative public policies. Francis Graham Wilson ; With A New Introduction By Russel Kirk. Includes Index. Originally Published In 1951 By The University Of Washington Press--t.p. Verso.