R: Conservatism Must Evolve

Conservatism is, according to most definitions, at the very least a deep-seated admiration for the way things have been done before, and an aversion to major changes in society. Paradoxically, however, the conservative movement may have to change to fit in with the times in order to survive. In a world of instantaneous communications and almost-as-fast technological innovation, should this ideology which is inherently averse to rapid change evolve to stay politically relevant?

More politically minded conservatives may say that conservative politicians in the United States should play to their strengths, remaining true to their most core values but compromising on more fringe beliefs, in order to gain the support of more of the voting populace and enact change in Washington. Conservative intellectuals may clamor for new conservative philosophy which takes into account fundamental changes in the global system, such as the population boom or the ever-increasing urbanization of society.

At the same time, however, claiming that conservatism needs to evolve still seems to go against many ideas of conservatism, especially traditionalist conservatism. Those who believe in an unchanging, fallen, or fundamentally flawed human nature may question why conservatism has the need to change if human nature does not change. Conservatives who base their beliefs entirely on religious authority may also question the necessity of change if there is an absolute truth which has already been revealed.

As the world changes, must conservatism change with it? Should this change involve political maneuvering, or intellectual restructuring of conservative philosophy? What must conservatives keep, and what intellectual baggage can they leave by the wayside? Can conservatism change at all?