The essential philosophical difference between Progressives and Conservatives is...

[Odin2005]

Conservatives: Believe that Mankind is inherently evil, tainted by Original Sin, and only strict, authoritarian religion and subservience to one's betters can keep society going. Conservatives are inherent pessimists who reject notions of long-term human progress.

Examples: Plato, Augustine, Leo Strauss

Progressives: Believe that mankind is inherently good and that evil acts are caused by ignorance and that an open, free, and egalitarian society will help prevent the ignorance that causes evil actions. Progressives are inherent optimists who have at least an implicit faith in progress.

Examples: Socrates, The Buddha, Kant, Dewey, Popper

[de novo]

1. That is true. And, we have only two parties in the US, but the D or R label

is meaningless.

We have Conservatives on one side, including all the repugs and too many of the Dems. On the other side we have the Progressives.

All Conservatives work against the true interests of the people.

[stray cat]

2. too simplistic - I hope that isn't also a progressive value

[de novo]

3. Care to elaborate?

How do you delineate? Or can you?

[OHdem10]

4. Spot on: If you believe people are inheritently evil, you must

have authoriarian approach, Tough Law and Order, Elites run
the show,(they have been Chosen) you do not owe evil people
anything, cannot trust other countries--the worst possible
motive is ascribed,thus Wars and on and on.

You can do the same thing with Progressive.

This is basis from which many books are written including
the ones written by NeoCon hero(Leo Straus).

[Odin2005]

7. Hence my mentioning of Strauss, who adored Plato's reactionary authoritarianism.

[NC_Nurse]

5. Self-fulfilling prophecy. Ever notice how whenever Conservatives are behind

closed doors they engage in all the things they pretend to be against? Adultery, greed, theft, bribery, cheating, etc. No wonder they think everyone is bad, they think everyone is selfish like them.

[Odin2005]

6. That goes all the way back to Augustine.

Augustine had a very debauched young adulthood. Then when he converted to first Manicheanism and then Christianity he became a self-hating creep who projected his issues on all humanity. It is from him our Western conception of Original Sin comes from.

I have noticed that certain misanthropic "Luddite" types have very similar tendencies even though they consider themselves to be on the Left. They are also Conservatives of a sort, they idealize the pre-Industrial past and spout "Noble Savage" BS about aboriginal peoples being at one with nature.

[Terry in Austin]

8. Applying it to politics

Conservative aim: hierarchy
Progressive aim: equality

For me, that's the hard political core of the difference you describe.

Conservatives like a world where they are in charge and lower status people serve their needs.
Progressives like a world where "we're all in this together."

It's the difference between all of us taking care of each other because we're equal vs. you taking care of me because I outrank you.