Unit 4: Anarchism

Question 1

Name the 4 main origins of anarchist tradition

Answer 1

Philosophical anarchism

Communism

Collectivist anarchism

Individualist anarchism

Question 2

What are the 2 main strands of anarchism

Answer 2

Collectivist and individualist

Question 3

How do anarchists differ on their interpretation of human nature? (2)

Answer 3

Social vs individualist

Open minded vs. egoist

Question 4

How do anarchists differ on their interpretation of the state? (3)

Answer 4

Relationship between capitalism and the state

Reasons for abolishing the state

Methods for abolishing the state

Question 5

How do anarchists differ on their interpretation of society? (2)

Answer 5

Collectivist vs individualist

How to achieve perfect society (violence)

Question 6

How do anarchists differ on their interpretation of the economy? (1)

Answer 6

Cooperation vs. competition

Question 7

define utopianism

Answer 7

The perfect society can be created where no conflict exists

Question 8

Name a way anarchism is like utopianism

Answer 8

All anarchists have a vision of their ideal society

Question 9

How do conservatives disagree with anarchists over human nature?

Answer 9

Think anarchists are overly optimistic, humans should be governed

Question 10

How do liberals disagree with anarchists on the economy?

Answer 10

Liberals think private property is natural in society and shouldn’t be romoved

Question 11

How do socialists criticise anarchism’s view of the state?

Answer 11

Socialists think that without a state, humans will resort to private property and pursuing ineuqality

Question 12

Name 3 ways anarchism could be considered unscientific utopianism

Answer 12

Few examples of it working in practice

No unified vision for society

Too optimistic about human nature

Question 13

Name 2 ways anarchism should not be considered unscientific utopianism

Answer 13

Edward Abbey - ‘5000 years of experience’ shows that the state doesn’t work - quasi-scientific analysis

Could argue all ideologies are unscientific as they are based on false consciousness e.g religion

Question 14

Name an example of anarchism in practice today

Answer 14

Occupy movement

Question 15

Name 2 ways individualist and collectivist anarchism can and cannot be reconciled

Answer 15

Can: both oppose government, both say ideal society shouldn’t be enforced

Cannot: Views on ideal society completely differ, economy: cooperation vs. competition

Question 16

Name 2 arguments for and against anarchism being socialism without a state

Answer 16

For: Both have optimistic view of human nature, both want fair society without conflict

Against: ‘Socialism without a state’ doesn’t make sense, anarchists reject democracy