Anarchism Flashcards
Who are the individualist anarchists?
Only Stirner.
Who are the collectivist anarchists?
Proudhorn, Bakunin, Kropotkin and Goldman.
Why does Stirner reject the state and private property?
There is no compromise between Egoism and the state, as it is oppressive and invasive.
How does Stirner propose we create a new state?
Rejects revolution, proposes insurrection: elevate above the state and capitalism, leaving both to wither and die.
Why is Stirner anti-Capitalist?
It leads to alienation of exploitation and is ‘Machine-like labour that amounts to the same thing as slavery’.
What does Stirner propose for society?
A Union of Egoists: unions of sovereign individuals, in voluntary and co-operative groups.
What does Stirner say about human nature?
We all have a self-interested Ego; we have individualism, rationalism and self-autonomy.
Does Stirner believe in altruism?
We are selfish, but we can be altruistic (if it benefits ourselves).
What does Proudhorn think about the state?
The state is oppressive and restricts liberty.
How does Proudhorn think the state should be replaced?
It should be replaced via peaceful and democratic means, rather than violence.
Which communities does Proudhorn propose would replace the state?
Independent producers or small, self-governing communities.
How does Proudhorn describe his ideal economy?
Independent, productive units, where people enter voluntary contracts for mutual benefit.
Proudhorn says labour should be what?
Mutually beneficial: an exchange between independent producers; not absolute equality.
What does Proudhorn think on Capitalism?
Anti-Capitalist.
What does Proudhorn say people are bound together by?
Social and economic relations, which are mutually beneficial (mutualism).
Which values would Proudhorn implement, in his society?
Freedom, social harmony, ‘Anarchy is order’ and individual liberty.
What does Proudhorn believe our human nature is characterised by?
Our productive and creative capacities.
How does Proudhorn support more of an individual human nature than other collectivists?
He says the individual is sovereign, rational and capable of labour with free bargaining.
Bakunin says the state is what?
The servant of Capitalism.
How does Bakunin propose we reform the state and Capitalism?
Both should be destroyed via revolution; propaganda of the deed (Paris Commune).
Why does Bakunin reject dictatorship?
Any state is oppressive; the state and the church jointly oppress us.
What would Bakunin replace the market economy with?
A system of exchange based on the true value of labour and goods and collective ownership.
Bakunin outlines federalism, what is this?
Voluntary communities, conducted on the basis of mutual benefit.
What does Bakunin propose for society?
Federalism, worker collectives, abolition of national borders, communities based on occupation, rejection of authority
What does Bakunin think of human nature?
We are fundamentally social and co-operative, productive work characterises our humanity, and we have labour solidarity
How does Kropotkin believe the state should be dealt with and why?
It should be destroyed by revolution, as the state destroys cooperation.
What does Kropotkin propose, to replace the state?
Replaced with voluntary, independent, self-governing communes; direct over representative democracy.
What does Kropotkin think capitalism should be replaced with?
Self-sufficient communism; common ownership; goods to be produced and distributed on the basis of need and not labour time.
Kropotkin says communes should be the basis of society, what are these?
Internally democratic units of co-operation and mutuality, a form of communist anarchism that encourages voluntarism.
What does Kropotkin believe on human nature?
People are social, cooperative and collective, mutual aid: altruism.
What does Kropotkin believe Capitalism does to human nature?
Natural sociability is distorted by capitalism and the coercive state.
On state reform what does Goldman highlight?
Propaganda of the deed: the idea that the best way to promote anarchism was to engage in acts of violence against the state and capitalist institutions.
Why does Goldman reject the idea of political reform?
Power corrupts; prevents direct action and emancipation of the individual, which is needed for liberty.
How does Goldman feel about Capitalism?
Anti-Capitalist: it’s exploitative and incompatible with human needs; capitalism aims to maximise profit and this dehumanises the workers.
What does Goldman propose, instead of Capitalism?
Mutual aid and cooperation instead.
What does Goldman say we should be tolerant of?
Homosexuality.
What were Goldman’s thoughts on patriarchy, the church and marriage?
Viewed patriarchy as a coercive hierarchy; criticised the church and likened marriage to prostitution.
What did Goldman argue about religion?
Argued religion upheld class inequalities.
What did Goldman feel patriotism was used as?
Patriotism is used as a tool to justify the murder of people, through militarism.
How did Goldman say the state is organised, in relation to human nature?
It is organised in opposition to the needs of human nature, as individual liberty and social harmony are paramount.
What is Rothbard’s (Anarcho-Capitalist) belief regarding the free market?
Provides public goods; can replace all functions of the state, as it is self-regulating; favours private property.
What does Friedman (Anarcho-Capitalist) believe about private property?
Provides freedom; incentives for competition, as humans are self-interested and materialistic individuals, driven to obtain possessions and private property.
