In a recent seminar at Stanford University, students explored the complexities of American conservatism under the guidance of Hoover scholar Peter Berkowitz. The course, POLISCI 237: Varieties of Conservatism in America, is part of the Stanford Civics Initiative (SCI), a collaboration between the School of Humanities and Sciences and the Hoover Institution.
Berkowitz initiated discussions by posing a fundamental question: “What is this person, group, or movement trying to conserve?” This inquiry set the stage for examining diverse branches within conservatism, each with distinct priorities such as individual freedom or traditional morality.
The seminar attracted politically diverse students eager for rigorous discussions across the political spectrum. David Sacks, a third-year law student at Stanford Law School, described participants as approaching materials “with good faith.”
Berkowitz emphasized critical thinking through questioning and playing devil’s advocate. He often referenced John Stuart Mill on free speech and Edmund Burke on statesmanship to highlight the importance of balancing preservation with improvement.
The course covered foundational texts like John Locke’s writings and Karl Marx’s critiques to provide context for understanding conservatism. Students also examined seminal American documents like the Declaration of Independence and works by Friedrich Hayek and Russell Kirk.
Sophomore Alexander Chasun noted that differing values often drive political disagreements more than specific issues themselves. Berkowitz explained that American democracy involves balancing majority decision-making with protecting individual rights.
Diana Zawadzki, a computer science major, sought an empathetic understanding of political systems’ strengths and weaknesses. She found inspiration in figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Martin Luther King Jr., who pursued progressive reforms grounded in constitutional ideals.
The seminar concluded with discussions on contemporary conservatism’s shifts in foreign policy from Ronald Reagan’s free market principles to Donald Trump’s economic nationalism. Berkowitz hopes students leave more thoughtful about American politics and appreciative of its achievements despite deficiencies.
“Every class at Stanford should encourage students to acquire knowledge by asking questions,” Berkowitz stated.
