Anarchism Flashcards
Who are the animal liberation front?
- A small, non-hierarchical group that uses direct action to highlight and prevent animal cruelty.
- Example of anarchist group today.
What are the 4 main strands of anarchism?
- Philosophical.
- Communist.
- Collectivist.
- Individualist.
What is philosophical anarchism?
- Early anarchist philosophy based on a positive view of human nature.
- Critical of existing justifications of power and authority.
- Stresses the sovereignty of the individual and their ability to exercise their sovereignty rationally.
Which individuals are associated with philosophical anarchism?
- Jean Jacques Rousseau.
Mankind “is born free but is everywhere in cages”. - William Godwin.
(Both are 18th century philosophers).
What group are associated with arguing against the restriction of individuals?
Empty Cages - anarchist group that argue against the physical entrapment of individuals in the prison system.
In 2021 the group began a campaign against the the building of a new prison HMP Wellingborough.
What is communist anarchism?
- linked to the Marxist movement.
- both Marxists and Anarcho-communists want to create a stateless, self-governing communist society.
- Anarcho-communists differ by arguing for an immediate abolition of the state rather than a gradual dictatorship of the proletariat as argued by Marx.
Individuals associated with Anarcho-communism:
Peter Kropotkin
What is collectivist anarchism?
- Came as a response to individualism and the negative consequence it had for the living and working conditions of the urban people.
- Described as socialism without a state.
Individuals associated with collectivist anarchism:
Mikhali Bakunin .
What is individualist anarchism?
Anarchists that are opposed to all social and political restrictions on free choice.
They want individuals to be left alone to pursue what they view as their own best interests.
Individuals associated with individualist anarchism:
- Max Stirner.
- Murray Rothbard - took individualism and applied it to Anarcho- capitalism.
What are the different anarchist views on human nature?
- Egotistical view of human nature.
- The blank state view of human nature.
- The positive view of human nature.
What is the egotistical view of human nature?
Believed that a persons ego told them what they were entitled to and people should pursue the aim of acquiring all things that they wanted.
Stirner does not think that this will lead to selfish behaviour, but rather people will take others into consideration if it is in their own interest to do so.
Which thinker supports the egotistical view of human nature?
- Max Stirner.
- Stirner imagined a world in which numbers of people would become egoists and eventually form themselves into ‘unions of egoists’.
(Groups of people untied in pursuing their joint interests).
Max Stirner (1806-56) background:
- German philosopher.
- Influenced individualist anarchism and nihilism - proposed the abolition of state and society.
- Believed that all people acted in a self-interested way.
Max Stirner’s key works:
The Ego and his Own - develops his idea of egoism.
Quotes assosicated to Stirner:
- Labels the state and ideologies that repress individuals as “spooks” and “ghosts”.
- “unions of egoism” - people who realised that co-operating with others is the best way to maximise their self interest.
Which thinker supports the blank slate view of human nature?
Mikhail Bakunin.
Argues that the only impulse that we have when we are born is towards moral justice.
What is the blank state view of human nature?
The view that humans are born without any innate characteristics, which led to the belief that the state and society corrupts individuals.
What is the positive view of human nature?
- Agrees with liberals that we are naturally good.
- This suggest that anarchist beliefs of a perfect society are possible.
- Whilst liberals argue for a state - anarchist thinkers do not arguing we can achieve order without the state.
What thinkers are associated with the positive view of human nature?
William Godwin - argues that if people could use their own private judgement they would not infringe upon the freedoms of others.
Kropotkin - argues that humans are naturally sociable and would voluntarily form groups.
Quotes from Kropotkin on human nature:
“Are bees in a hive free?”
What is an anarcho-communist view of the state?
- The state is not necessary.
- Kropotkin argues that it should be replaced with small voluntary associations.
- Bakunin argues it should be replaced with workers federations.
- People would choose to live in these societies - there would be no laws that restrict individual sovereignty.
Peter Kropotkin (1842-1921) Background:
- Born into the Russian Aristocracy - came to disapprove of the behaviour of his own class.
- His conversion to anarchism a result of visiting the Jura Federation in Switzerland.
Peter Kropotkin - Key Works:
Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution. - writes that humans should naturally live in social groups.
Which anarchists viewed the state as evil?
Kroptkin and Bakunin.
What are Bakunin’s criticisms of the state?
- Argues that the state was the agent go capitalism and the ruling class.
- Claims that those in leadership positions will inevitably become corrupt.
- In God and State (1970) Bakunin wrote that even the most moral man could not escape the corrupting influences of the state.
What are Proudhon’s criticisms of the state?
- State is restrictive and limits the individual.
- Proudhon argues that people under the state are “spied upon… indoctrinated, preached at controlled”.
Why do anarchists reject government by consent?
- Anarchists argue that all individuals are sovereign and would never freely surrender their power.
- When one generation allows for the existence of a state they set the precedent which tends to be followed.
Mikhail Bakunin (1814-76) - Background:
Born into a minor Russian aristocratic family.
His ideas were close to those of Marx.
Strongly influenced by his experience in the Paris Commune (1871) - example of ‘propaganda by deed’.
Bakunin’s Key Works:
- God and the State (1871).
Pierre- Joseph Proudhon (1809-65) Background:
- Famous for the statement ‘property is theft’.
- Proposed the peaceful abolition of the state and was a member of the French parliament in 1848.K
Key works by Proudhon:
“What is property?”
- “property is theft”.
Why do anarchists reject representative democracies?
- Divide people into artificially constructed nations.
- Democracy allows for tyranny of the majority.
- They promote and defend the capitalist system.
- Democracies work in the interest of the elites.
Why do anarchists reject direct democracy?
- Rousseau argues against direct democracy because people would vote in their own self interest, rather than in the collective interest of the community.
- Rousseau suggests that direct democracy could work in small communities.
- Kropotkin - inspired by Rousseau argues for small - self governing communities.
Why do anarchists reject the socialist state?
- Socialism tends to involve a big state supporting it.
- The elites who run the system become quickly corrupted.
- Individualist anarchists feel that a socialist state undermines individual liberties.
- Collectivist anarchists reject socialism because it undermines the importance of small communities.
Why do anarchists reject organised religion?
- Anarchists view religion as an unnecessary source of authority.
- Believe that religions were constructed by mankind as a way of controling the masses.
- Bakunin argues in ‘God and state’ that “if God really existed it would also be necessary to abolish him”.
Which anarchist thinkers retained their religious faith?
William Godwin and Leo Tolstoy.
Which individualist anarchist rejects the need for a society?
Max Stirner.
What do anarchists believe about society?
- Most view society as having evolved naturally and free from interference would achieve balance and harmony.
- The societies would facilitate collaboration. partnership and the provisions of mutual aid.
What was Max Stirner’s view of society?
- Stirner is an extreme individualist anarchist.
- Reject the need for society.
What do anarcho-capitalists believe about order?
Anarcho-capitalists like Murray Rothbard and David Friedan believe that the state should be removed, but capitalism should be retained.
They believe that as long as the demand for something existed, the free market would provide it.
An ordered society would emerge because the competing forces of capitalism would balance each other out.
What did Bakunin think about order in society?
Thought that order could emerge in large scale societies.
People would form large scale federations.
What did Kropotkin believe about order in society?
- Believed that order would only be achieved in small scale societies.
- Inspired by a watchmakers commune in the Swiss Jura mountains.
Argument that anarchists are utopian:
- Collectivist anarchists have an over-optimistic view of human nature.
- Anarchists typically don’t have specific ideas on how their societies will operate.
- There has never been a successfully established anarchist society.
Argument that anarchists are not utopian:
- Individualist anarchists have a realistic view of human nature.
- People only think anarchism is unobtainable because they are conditioned to believe that a state is essential for the smooth running of society.
What criticisms are there of the anarchist view on society?
- Anarchists don’t explain how their vision for society will be obtained.
- The fact there have been no anarchist states suggest that it is not a realistic political goal.
- Anarchists have an over-optimistic view of human nature.
What are the differing anarchist views on the economy?
- Communist and collectivist forms of anarchism seek to abolish capitalism.
- Anarcho-capitalists wish to free capitalism from regulation by the state.
What is the collectivist anarchist view of the economy?
- Argue that a key cause of conflict in society is capitalism.
- Capitalism (like the state) creates its own order.
- Collectivists want labour to be paid at its true value.
What is Proudhon’s view on the economy?
- Collectivist.
- Put forward his theory of mutualism where capitalism was replaced with a system of exchange based on contracts entered freely.
- Proposed a voucher system to show the true value of goods.
- Also suggests a national-bank to be set up with interest-free leans to peasants and other workers.
What is Kroptkin’s view on the economy?
- Inspired by Proudhon’s view of mutualism.
- Wrote in Mutual Aid that the competitive economic world was not inevitable.
- People could free themselves from capitalism with co-operation and mutual living.
What is Emma Goldman’s view on the economy?
- Individualist Anarchist.
- Wants capitalism to be abolished, but doesn’t express what it should be replaced by.x
Examples of individualist views on the economy?
- Henry Thoreau and Josiah Warren.
Both advocated that the individual withdraw themselves from capitalism.
Warren created a scheme in which all goods were sold at a price which reflected the amount of labour that had gone into them.
Examples are anarcho capitalists:
- Murray Rothbard
- David Friedan.
How do anarcho-capitalists view the economy?
- Want free-market capitalism to flourish without the presence of the state.
- Believe that economic freedom can exist only in the context of free competition without any external influences.
- They see inequality as natural.
Quote from Rothbard on anarchy-capitalism:
“capitalism is the fullest expression of anarchism”.
Emma Goldman background:
- Russian born but spent most of her time in America.
- Participated in the Spanish Civil War - founded some anarchist communes.
- Coined the term propaganda of the deed.
- Campaigned for the emancipation of women and the tolerance of homosexuality.
- Made clear the connection between anarchism and the emancipation of the individual.
Emma Goldman’s Key Works:
Living My Life (1931).
- Stresses that people should view the state as their enemy.
Anarchism is socialism without the state:
- Collectivist anarchism and socialism are both highly critical of capitalism.
- Both share a positive view of human nature.
- Both collectivists anarchists and socialists propose economic equality and common ownership of property.
Anarchism is not socialism without the state:
- Key aim of socialists is equality - anarchists are more concerned with individual freedom.
- Individualist anarchists are supportive of anarchism and private property.
- Some individualists encourage people to withdraw from society and achieve self-reliance.
What are the different types of anarchism?
- Anarcho-communism.
- Mutualism.
- Anarcho - syndicalism.
- Egoism.
- Anarcho - capitalism.
What the different strands of collectivist anarchists?
- Anarcho-communism.
- Mutualism.
- Anarcho-syndicalism.
What are the different strands of individualist anarchism?
- Egoism.
- Anarcho-capitalism.
Give an example of an anarcho-communist:
Peter Kropotkin.
What is Kropotkins view on social darwinism?
- Linked human society to that of the animal kingdom stressing that animals lived in social groups.
- Rejects the social darwinist view that people are competitive.
What is Elisee Reclus view on society?
That what ever type of social organisation might be adopted, mutual aid would ensure solidarity and progress.
Kroptokin quote on competition:
“Don’t Compete! Competition is always injurious to the species”.
What is anarcho-syndicalism?
Stems from the idea that workers have a natural tendency to form groups.
Anarcho-syndicalists believe that these workers unions will come together to overthrow the state.
Who is associated with anarcho-syndicalism?
- Georges Sorel.
- For Sorel the main quality of the working class was its solidarity.
- Argues that workers can use their solidarity to destroy both capitalism and the state.
- There would be a revolution and destruction of the state replaced with a new social order based on trade unions or syndicate organisation.
What is Rudolf Rocker’s take on anarcho-syndicalism?
Led the anarchist reaction against the ideas of marxist inspired socialism.
- Believed that the emancipation of the workers could only be achieved if the state was overturned .
What is Egoism?
- Violent, radical form of individualism.
- associated with Max Stirner.
- a persons desire for self-realisation determine what a person does.
What are nihilists?
- An extreme form of individualism.
- Dismisses the idea that humanity has common values.
What is the anarcho-communist view on human nature?
-People are social animals who prefer to achieve their goals collectively.
-With the corrupting influence of the state removed, people’s caring an empathetic nature will come to the foe.
What is the anarcho-communist view on the state?
- The state should be abolished because it suppresses individual freedom and exploits producers and consumers.
- It is acceptable to use violent means to abolish state power.
What is the anarcho-communist view on society?
- People should live in co-operative communities free from coercion.
- Society should not involve any element of force or power.
What is the anarcho-communist view on the economy?
- Capitalism should be abolished and replaced with common ownership of the means of production.
- The organisation into communes would be voluntary and free from control.
What is the anarcho-synidcalists view on human nature?
- People need and benefit from social solidarity.
- The removal of the state would lead to a persons occupation becoming truely fulfilling.
What is the anarcho-synidcalists view on the state?
- The state should be removed - ideally via a revolution.
What is the anarcho-synidcalists view on society?
- A new social order should emerge following the removal of the state based on trade union organisation.
- The different trade unions would exchange goods in a way that benefited everyone in society.
What is the anarcho-synidcalists view on the economy?
- Workers are naturally inclined to form groups with those in similar occupations.
- These groups work collectively to resist communism.
- Once capitalism has been overthrown - these groups will form the basis of economic organisation.
What is the egoist’s view on human nature?
- The ego is a desire for a persons self realisation.
- People are naturally inclined to put their own needs and wants first.
What is the egoist’s view on the state?
The state should be abolished.
No form of organisation should be imposed on society.
What is the egoist’s view on society?
- People may choose to form connections and be part of the “unions of egoists”, but no one should be forced to be part of any social grouping.
What is the egoists view on the economy?
Free individuals will find beneficial ways to trade with one another.
What is the anarcho-capitalist view on human nature?
-People are rational and self-interested.
-Being selfish is logical and reasonable.
What is the anarcho-capitalist view on the state?
- The state should not exist because it is the enemy of free market capitalism.
What is the anarcho-capitalist view on society?
- People should not be expected or required to part of a wider society.
Nothing should restrict individual sovereignty.
What is the anarcho-capitalist view on the economy?
- Capitalism should be allowed to flourish free from state interference.
- Individuals should be free to maximise the benefits and rewards which capitalism provides for them.
Examples of anarchist movements today:
- Occupy Wall Street.
- Protest against the power of big corporations and unequal distribution.
- The group has no leader and decisions are consensus based.
Example of an anarchist movement that arose from the covid-19 pandemic:
- DC Mutual Aid Network.
- ## Encouraged people to volunteer and help people in their communities - eg shopping for them.
What is Max Stirner’s view on human nature?
People are self interested egoists.
What is Max Stirner’s view on the state?
The state denies people the right to fulfil their egoism and individualism.
What is Max Stirner’s view on society?
Society of any kind restrains people. We must be totally self reliant.
What is Max Stirner’s view on the economy?
The accumulation and retention of property is our main economic motivation
What is Peter Kropotkin’s view on human nature?
- People are sociable and prefer collective activity.
What is Peter Kropotkin’s view on the state?
- The capitalist state must be destroyed through revolution and replaced by a voluntary system of self-governing communities.
What is Peter Kropotkin’s view on society?
- The commune should be the basis of society.
- Communes should be small independent and internally democratic units.
What is Peter Kropotkin’s view on the economy?
Capitalism should be replaced with the communist system of small economic units.
Each of these should as far as possible be self sufficient.
What is Mikhail Bakunin’s view on human nature?
We are fundamentally sociable animals and productive war characterises humanity.
What is Mikhail Bakunin’s view on the state?
The state is the servant of capitalism.
Both state and capitalism should be removed via revolution.
What is Mikhail Bakunin’s view on society?
There should be a federal system.
Abolish national boundaries.
Federations of workers would cooperate and not compete.
What is Mikhail Bakunin’s view on the economy?
The market system of exchange should be abolished and replaced by exchange based on the true value of labour and goods.
What is Proudhon’s view on human nature?
We are characterised by our productive abilities and our creativity as producers.
What is Proudhon’s view on the state?
The state is oppressive and must be abolished.
This could happen peacefully through democratic means - might however need force.
What is Proudhon’s view on society?
Mutualism is the basis of a strong society.
This involves people being bound together by mutually beneficial economic and social relations.
What is Proudhon’s view on the economy?
People should be divided into independent productive units, trading with each other on a mutually beneficial basis.
What is Emma Goldman’s view on human nature?
- Individual liberty must be upheld.
- The desire for freedom is fundamental to humankind.
What is Emma Goldman’s view on the state?
The state is only one source of oppressions.
Religion and property ownership are equally oppressive.
What is Emma Goldman’s view on society?
What is needed is a society in which all people are treated as equal.
Also essential are economic, gender and racial equality.
What is Emma Goldman’s view on the economy?
Communism is the preferable economic system.
But overall liberty is more important than economic justice.
