What is the difference between a "Conservative" and a "Liberal?"?

Answer 1

If you are really interested, read "A Conflict of Visions" by Thomas Sowles. (This is not a partisan book, by the way. It really just explains the differences between the two from a philosophical standpoint and does a very good job.)

Despite what most people think, the difference is not in the issues they stand for or against, the real difference is in the way their worldview is oriented, especially their view on the nature of humanity. When you get to the very basic root of it, a true conservative (constrained worldview) believes humans are inherently flawed and that because of this constraint, we will never be able to make this world perfect although we may be able to improve certain things. A liberal (unconstrained worldview) believes there is nothing wrong with human nature and that we can make this world perfect through policy and education. There is a LOT more that goes into this, but I'd have to basically plagiarize Sowles' book so you should just read it because it's really good.

The terms we use now aren't necessarily correct. While it's not as common, you can theoretically be a liberal Republican or a conservative Democrat (like Zell Miller). The issues don't define whether you are a conservative or a liberal: How you arrived at your conclusion does. For example, I do not support the death penalty, but the reasons I am against it come from a conservative worldview, not a liberal one, even though Republicans are more likely to support it than Democrats.

That's why when people ask me if I'm a Republican or a Democrat, I tell them I'm a Conservative because it's much more descriptive of my beliefs than a party affiliation.

Answer 2

THe Universe is circular. If you go far enough to the left you end up on the right. It seems on the other side of the circul from the moderate are people called Libertarians. They are the most hated people by both groups. Evidently I'm bunched up with them, because I'm a loud mouth opinionated jerk who has some wierd theories. Technically. Conservatives believe in rules and laws while Liberals believe more in freedom. THere are two types of liberals/conservative. There are economic and then there are religious. Typically Republicans are conservatives for both. Democrats can be conservative religiously. This is why Democrats are fractured. To all liberals, Freedom sounds nice until lets say George W. Bush decides that he has the Freedom to tap your phone with out a warrant. Laws can be handy in such instances.

Answer 3

I think the lines are blurred today, but liberal is a deceptive choice of words to define these people. In fact conservatives believe people are capable of making their own decisions and are responsible for any benefits or consequences that result from these choices.

In the case of the liberals, they believe the government should redistribute your money to those who need it more (no wonder they get votes) and that people are not intelligent enough to make their own decisions in life.
They also rely heavily on fabricated evidence and outright lies to use as fodder in their arguments. They are a group that believe that facts don't matter when mass hysteria can be generated.

These are the facts. A best answer would be appreciated very much, I could use one.

Answer 4

It seems to me that the conservative view point is more concerned with the well being of everyone as a whole whereas the liberal view point is more concerned with the well being of each person as an individual. Hopefully that is an unbiased and fair answer.

Answer 5

Conservative are more traditional, while liberals tend to be more open to change.

A conservative will want to keep old traditions alive, while liberals are more apt to moving from the old ways of doing things in favor of something new.

Answer 6

Conservatives simply conserve. Liberals are free to chose new alternatives.

Answer 7

Conservatives believe in personal responsibility
Liberals believe in others being responsible for you

Answer 8

Conservative
Personal Rights= Right to bear arms. Right to free speech.


Liberal
Societal Rights= Right to not be offended, the right to be cradled by the government.

Answer 9

One has common sense and accepts responsibilty of their actions. You decide which category that fits into.

Answer 10

Which special interests fund their campaigns.

That's about it. Both are big spenders and hypocrites.