3 Anarchist thinkers and their ideas

Question 1

Max Stirner (1806-1856)

Answer 1

• The self-interested and rational individual – is the centre of the
  moral universe and the state.
• The future society will be the Union of Egoists (anarchy is order)
  – this will be brought about by insurrection, not overthrow of
  the state.

Question 2

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809-1865)

Answer 2

• Opposition to private property and collectivism – private
  property limits limit liberty and economic freedom and should be
  replaced by mutualism.
• The rejection and overthrow of the state – via peaceful means.

Question 3

Mikhail Bakunin (1814-1876)

Answer 3

• Propaganda by the deed – this would spark revolution and the
  state must be abolished as power is oppressive.
• Strong belief in human sociability – the need to abolish private
  property and replace it with collectivisation.

Question 4

Peter Kropotkin (1842-1921)

Answer 4

• The scientific basis for mutual aid – allows human nature to
  flourish.
• Revolution to abolish the state and private property – utopian
  vision of the future society where anarchy is order.

Question 5

Emma Goldman (1869-1940)

Answer 5

• The state is a cold monster – it should be rejected as it is
  immoral.
• All forms of political participation in the state and society are
  corrupting and futile – so revolution, not reform, is the only
  option.

Question 6

KEY TERMINOLOGY : Collectivisation

Answer 6

The abolition of private property and its replacement by a
system of common ownership.

Question 7

KEY TERMINOLOGY : Mutual aid

Answer 7

The idea that the most successful species are those that employ
solidarity and co-operation rather than individualistic competition.

Question 8

KEY TERMINOLOGY : Insurrection

Answer 8

Violent uprising against those in power.