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 and 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?
Social harmony, mutualism 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 (e.g. co-op), communities based on occupation
