Anarchism - Topic 2 Flashcards
The differing views and tensions between the branches of anarchism
Where do all branches of anarchism agree on human nature?
Both branches have a broadly positive view of human nature. They also agree that people will be able to cooperate in their particular visions.
Where do all branches of anarchism disagree on human nature?
Individualist anarchists argue that humans are individualistic egoists that therefore view collectivist anarchy’s demands on liberty as an infringement.
Collectivist anarchists believe that humans are naturally communal and will work together for the best of everyone’s interests. Individualist anarchists argue that this is a denial of an individual’s ego.
Where do all branches of anarchism agree on the state?
There is very little disagreement between the branches on their views of the state, however, mutualists believe society would exist in the shell of the state. Both branches have differing views on what would replace the state after its abolition.
Where do all branches of anarchism disagree on the state?
Individualists say that the individuals would run like the state as they are akin to one. Anarcho-capitalists state the free market would take over all functions while egoists say that each individual would be autonomous and sovereign and only cooperate to the extent that satisfies their wishes.
Collectivists argue that communities or federations of communities would form, operating a bottom-up system and have the community work together to fulfil society’s wishes. Anarcho-communists say that self-regulated relationships would form, mutualists would form federations and anarcho-syndicalists would form federations with other syndicates.
Where do all branches of anarchism agree on the economy?
Both branches of anarchism agree that the economy can function without the state, however they don’t agree on how the economy would function after the abolition of the state.
Where do all branches of anarchism disagree on the economy?
Individualists believe that the economy should be unregulated, with anarcho-capitalists arguing for complete unregulation. Egoists and anarcho- capitalists agree that competition, innovation and distribution organised by individuals would free exploitation of the state and would be based on competition between individuals.
Collectivists agree that the economy would be based on cooperation. Anarcho-communists argue that communal ownership would replace private property, while mutualists and anarcho-syndicalists view that worker associations and federations would become the owners of their particular means of production. These associations and syndicates would engage in mutually beneficial exchange, while anarcho-communists believe that everything would be held under common ownership of the community and so would be shared.
Where do all branches of anarchism agree on society?
Both branches agree that society would be able to function without the guidance of the state, however neither agrees on how society would run and cooperate.
Where do all branches of anarchism disagree on society?
Individualists view society as atomistic and completely self-interested. Anarcho-capitalists argue that the free market would provide society’s needs and rational self-interested individuals would ensure a balance of interests, while egoists would form a voluntary ‘union of egoists’ when necessary.
Collectivists view society as organic and should be communal as humans are social, communal beings. Anarcho-communists state that communes would make collective decisions, mutualists state that small communities bound by mutually beneficial social and economic relations would make up society, and anarcho-syndicalists state that trade unions would form self-governing federations to organise society.
