To what extent have Conservatives preferred pragmatism and empiricism to political principles?

To fully understand and explore the question the meaning of empiricism and pragmatism must be identified. In relation to politics empiricism is the theory that all knowledge is based on experience. Stimulated by the rise of experimental science, it developed in the 17th and 18th centuries, expounded in particular by John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume. Political pragmatism links to the belief that politics should be guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory or ideology. It is clear both words have a very similar meaning and illustrate that the conservatives don’t operate on a strict ideological doctrine.
Pre 21st century, the UK electorate was largely defined and separated by three main ideologies: Conservatism, Socialism and Liberalism. This gave the Conservative Party the ability to promote principles over pragmatism. However, as social developments occurred and ideological affiliations declined, political parties are no longer able to promote these narrow principles, as they are forced to adopt a wider spectrum of principles that apply to the mainstream electorate. The presence of 'right wing' and 'left wing' electorate has demised rapidly since pre 21st century politics. It is clear that the main parties adopt a more central position, the Conservatives being known as Centre Right.
This demise in ideology in general has been mirrored by the Conservative party. They have had to produce policies which embrace elements of both individualism and collectivism, tradition and modernity, capitalism and socialism, whilst recognising Parliamentary sovereignty is no longer workable in an increasingly globalised political and economic framework. A pragmatic, middle-ground approach is therefore unavoidable.
This being the case in previous modern