Conservatism - What is Conservatism?

What is Conservatism?

Conservatism is a political philosophy, not a life conviction or a religion. It offers a consistent and above all a realistic vision on human beings, society and government, and the relations between them. In short, conservatism calls for a free and decent society, with responsible citizens, strong civic organizations and a small but effective government. In the current debate conservatives insist, above all, on respecting notions which are especially indispensable in a modern and democratic society: notions of freedom and the rule of law, the importance of tradition, small government, and the importance of strong families and education. For more information, see the article "Conservatism vs. Enlightenment Thinking", by Professor Andreas Kinneging (in Dutch).