Changes

Paleoconservatism "is distinguished by certain philosophical presumptions that differ markedly from the presumptions of [[neocon]]s and most modern conservatives."<ref>'''Phillips, Dan''' "What the Heck is a Paleoconservative and Why You Should Care" op cit.</ref>  

Paleoconservatism "is distinguished by certain philosophical presumptions that differ markedly from the presumptions of [[neocon]]s and most modern conservatives."<ref>'''Phillips, Dan''' "What the Heck is a Paleoconservative and Why You Should Care" op cit.</ref>  

Unlike most conservatives today, paleoconservatives are against the [[Iraq War]]. They are highly critical of the [[George W. Bush|Bush administration]] and the mainstream conservative movement. Paleoconservatism vocally distinguishes itself in its opposition to [[neoconservative|neoconservatism]]. However, what really sets them apart from other conservatives is much deeper than just policy: they generally reject the [[Enlightenment]] in whole or in part; they reject [[John Locke|Lockean]] "[[Social contract|contract theory]]"  

Unlike most conservatives today, paleoconservatives are against the [[Iraq War]]. They are highly critical of the [[George W. Bush|Bush administration]] and the mainstream conservative movement. Paleoconservatism vocally distinguishes itself in its opposition to [[neoconservative|neoconservatism]]. However, what really sets them apart from other conservatives is much deeper than just policy: they generally reject the [[Enlightenment]] in whole or in part; they reject [[John Locke|Lockean]] "[[Social contract|contract theory]]".

Most controversially, they reject the concept of "natural rights" outright. Dr. Donald Livingston, Professor of Philosophy at Emory University, has argued that natural rights are a "philosophical superstition," and that "Whatever they might be, natural rights are universal and apply to all men. Further, they are known by reason, independent of any inherited moral tradition... It follows, therefore, that the doctrine of natural rights must be in a condition of permanent hostility to all inherited moral traditions. Any such tradition, no matter how noble the goods of excellence cultivated in it, can always be seen as violating ''someone's'' natural rights under some interpretation or another."<ref>'''Phillips, Dan''' "Understanding the Paleoconservative Perspective on Life" (2006) [http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2006/10/31/understanding-the-paleoconservative-perspective-on-life/ Intellectual Conservative]. Accessed 26 December 2007.</ref>  

Most controversially, they reject the concept of "natural rights" outright. Dr. Donald Livingston, Professor of Philosophy at Emory University, has argued that natural rights are a "philosophical superstition," and that "Whatever they might be, natural rights are universal and apply to all men. Further, they are known by reason, independent of any inherited moral tradition... It follows, therefore, that the doctrine of natural rights must be in a condition of permanent hostility to all inherited moral traditions. Any such tradition, no matter how noble the goods of excellence cultivated in it, can always be seen as violating ''someone's'' natural rights under some interpretation or another."<ref>'''Phillips, Dan''' "Understanding the Paleoconservative Perspective on Life" (2006) [http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2006/10/31/understanding-the-paleoconservative-perspective-on-life/ Intellectual Conservative]. Accessed 26 December 2007.</ref>