Rescuing Burke

This Article has three objectives. The first is to demonstrate Burke's liberalism. The second is to argue that Burke might also be considered a conservative, but a certain kind of conservative only, namely, a traditional conservative. Edmund Burke's philosophy is at war with that of the dominant conservatives of today - libertarians, neoconservatives, and social conservatives 2 - even though these conservatives seek to associate their thinking with his.

Thus, I seek to deny to these groups Burke's good name. At the same time, I wish to show that Burke offers common ground to some liberals and conservatives. These groups have their differences, to be sure, but by recognizing how much they have in common with Edmund Burke they will discover they have much in common with each other. At a time of bitter partisanship, this will allow some liberals and conservatives to begin a potentially fruitful, dialogue.

The third objective of this Article is to stimulate this dialogue.