Conservatism: Burke, Nozick, Bush, Blair?

In a new edition of this text whose wit does not conceal its serious intent, Britain’s pre-eminent progressive political philosopher explores the distinctions of conservatism, seeking the fundamental principle that unifies it and is its rationale and foundation. He brings the resources of analytic philosophy to bear on such political parties as the Republican party in the United States and the Conservative Party and now also the New Labour party in Britain. He examines the thinkers of this tradition, From Edmund Burke and Adam Smith to Michael Oakeshott and Robert Nozick. He does not give up his search for the rationale of conservatism. He finds it. It is not an expected one.