This work explores the intellectual foundations of conservative thought, particularly its views on education and society. First, to fully understand conservatism’s philo- sophical roots, in the first part we will try to provide an overview of key conservative thinkers, including Adam Smith, Edmund Burke, Hegel and Roger Scruton, who largely shaped intellectual conservatism. These authors primarily criticized extreme individualism and emphasized the role of traditional institutions in maintaining a sta- ble and unified community. The second part is devoted to the views of Friedrich Hayek, Russell Kirk and Michael Oakeshott, especially their views on education. Thus, Hayek advocated a broad educational program instead of modern, overly spe- cialized scientific training. For him, education is both preserving and progressive, re- quiring a delicate balance of competition and minimum standards. Oakeshott, in his turn, argues that modern governments are replacing education with a ‘zombie factory’ and tailoring education to meet the needs of local industry.

Received 29 December 2024. Revised 02 February 2025. Accepted 03 February 2025. Published online 31 August 2025

Conservatism, Tradition, Education, Burke, Scruton, Hayek,