Anarchism: New Flashcards:
(118 cards)
1
Q
Key word:
What does the state mean
A
The authority that is set up via a series of institutions such as the executive, legislative and judiciary to make laws and enforce order.
2
Q
How do anarchists view the state (brief)
A
Anarchist argue that the state uses its powers to to deny individuals their liberty
3
Q
How do anarchists view power (brief)
A
Anarchists argue that the exercise of power by one person is unacceptable
4
Q
Key word:
What does power mean
A
The state uses its position to exploit people and this should be resisted
Anarchists believe people should be free to exercise power over themselves
5
Q
How do anarchists view authority (brief)
A
Anarchists view the authority exercised as manipulative as individuals should be free to exercise authority over themselves
6
Q
Key word:
What does authority mean
A
Authority is the right to exercise the power granted to the state and government and carry outs its duties.
7
Q
Key word:
What does government mean
A
The name of the body that controls the state.
8
Q
Key word:
What does dictatorship mean
A
A form of government who hold governmental powers with few to no limitations.
9
Q
How do anarchists view government (brief)
A
Anarchists view all forms of government as corrupt, and believe that governing corrupts those who govern
Government denies individual autonomy
10
Q
Key word:
What does individual autonomy mean
A
The capacity to be one’s own person.
(Think for themselves, do things for themselves, have no restrictions)
11
Q
Key word:
What does autonomy mean
A
Represents the absence of artificial external constraints (government) though not the absence of internal restraints (moral code)
12
Q
Key word:
How do anarchists view autonomy (brief)
A
All anarchists believe that humankind should be able to exercise autonomy
13
Q
Key word:
What does nihilistic mean
A
Rejecting all religious and moral rules in the belief that life is meaningless
14
Q
Key word:
What does propaganda by deed mean
A
A tactic advocated by most radical and revolutionary anarchists.
When they challenge the state via general strikes or violent acts of protest, the state will show its true nature by forceful oppression.
15
Q
Key word:
What does insurrection mean
A
A violent uprising against an authority or government.
16
Q
Key word:
What does direct action mean?
A
The use of strikes, violence, or protests as a way of trying to get what you want, instead of talking
17
Q
Key word:
What does altruistic mean?
A
Focused on part of human nature that leads people to care for others and act in their interests.
18
Q
Key word:
What does anomie mean?
A
If isolated from society, humans will feel intense loneliness and experience feelings of emotional disassociation (detaching from one’s thoughts, emotions or surroundings).
19
Q
Key word:
What does collectivisation mean?
A
The organisation of peasants into large production units where there is no private property.
Individuals produce goods collectively and equally share the rewards of their labour.
20
Q
Key word:
What does mutual aid mean?
A
The idea that communities should cooperate with each other largely in terms of trade, on mutually beneficial terms rather than through a free-market mechanism (so it benefits both parties) - leads to equal amounts of power
21
Q
Key word:
What does free-market mechanism mean?
A
An economic systems where prices for goods and services are determined by supply and demand (how much they are needed by how much they have) without significant government intervention.
22
Q
Key word:
What does direct democracy mean?
A
A system of government where the people make decisions for themselves e.g. referendums
23
Q
Key word:
What does mutualism mean? (use anarchist)
A
Associated with Proudhon - the concept of an independent association of workers cooperating and trading with each other on mutually beneficial terms (so it benefits both parties).
24
Q
Key word:
What does syndicalism mean?
A
A revolutionary version of trade unionism that proposes a stateless society where workers are grouped into syndicates (organisations) based on industrial occupation which cooperate freely with each other for mutual benefit (so it benefits both parties)
25
Key word:
What is trade unionism mean?
Trade unionism refers to the association of workers in a particular trade, industry, or company
26
Key word:
What does utopianism mean?
An idealised and perfect society that people will inhabit in the future.
Utopianism can also be used in a critical sense to refer to something as being impractical and not rational
27
Key word:
What is natural law?
A system of right or justice held to be common to all humans and comes from nature rather than from the rules of society e.g. circle of life.
28
Key word:
What is federalism?
A system of national government in which power is divided between a central authority and a number of regions with self-governing authority.
29
Key word:
What are collectivist anarchists mean and what do they believe?
Meaning: Advocates for a stateless society with collective ownership and democratic control of production, rejecting both the state and private property.
Beliefs: It emphasises mutual aid and solidarity, aiming for a classless society achieved through direct action and revolutionary change.
30
Key word:
What does individualist anarchist mean and what do they believe?
Meaning: Advocates for the abolition of the state and social hierarchies, emphasizing personal freedom, autonomy, and voluntary association.
Beliefs: Believes individual self-reliance, freedom of choice, and the rejection of external authority, promoting a society where individuals freely cooperate without coercion or control.
31
Key word:
What does anarcho-communism mean and what do they believe?
Meaning: Calls for the abolition of the state, capitalism, and private property ,a classless/stateless society based on communal ownership of resources.
Beliefs: It emphasises collective decision-making, shared resources, and voluntary cooperation through a decentralized, stateless society.
32
Key word:
What does mutualist mean and what do they believe?
Meaning: Advocates for a society based on mutual aid, voluntary cooperation where individuals and communities freely trade without state or capitalist control.
Beliefs: Advocate to abolish capitalist private property, supporting possession-based property, and aim for a decentralised economy with equal access to resources through mutual cooperation.
33
Key word:
What does anarcho-syndicalism mean and what do they believe?
Meaning: Focuses on workers' self-management through direct action and revolutionary trade unions (syndicates) to dismantle capitalism and the state.
Beliefs: Advocate for workers organizing into unions to manage production, abolish capitalism and have stateless society based on mutual aid and solidarity.
34
Key word:
What does egoism mean and what do they believe?
Meaning: The belief that individuals should act based on their own self-interest, rejecting external moral or social obligations.
Beliefs: Prioritise personal autonomy and freedom, advocating for a society where individuals pursue their desires freely, without conforming to imposed laws or moral systems.
35
Key word:
What does anarcho-capitalist mean and what do they believe?
Meaning: Advocates for a stateless society where private property and free markets operate without government intervention.
Beliefs: Believe in private, competitive markets for all goods and services arguing that a free-market economy based on property rights is the most just and efficient system.
36
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of collectivist anarchism e.g. abolition of the state (use key thinker)
Bakunin believed the state was a tool of oppression that created inequality and served the ruling class.
He argued that abolishing the state was necessary for true freedom and equality.
37
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of collectivist anarchism e.g. collective ownership of means of production (use key thinker)
Bakunin's collectivism calls for workers and communities to collectively own and manage production, replacing both state and capitalist control with democratic, cooperative structures.
38
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of collectivist anarchism e.g. worker's self-management (use key thinker)
Bakunin advocated for workers to own and democratically manage their workplaces, replacing hierarchies and giving them control over their labour and conditions.
39
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of collectivist anarchism e.g. direct action (use key thinker)
Bakunin believed the overthrow of the state and capitalism required revolutionary action e.g. strikes.
He rejected gradual reform and electoral politics in favour of an immediate, radical transformation led by the working class.
40
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of collectivist anarchism e.g. decentralisation (use key thinker)
Bakunin supported collective ownership and a system of self-managed communes, linked by voluntary federation to share resources and decisions while keeping their independence.
41
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-communism (use key thinkers) e.g. abolition of the state
Kropotkin: Believed the state was an oppressive tool that enforced class divisions and protected the ruling class, and must be abolished for true freedom.
Goldman: Advocated for the abolition of the state, seeing it as a means of control and repression that allows inequality.
42
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-communism e.g. collective ownership (use key thinkers)
Kropotkin: Advocated for the collective ownership of production, rejecting capitalism and private property in favour of resources being managed and shared by communities through cooperation.
Goldman: Supported the collective control of resources and labour, believing capitalism exploited workers and led to inequality, and she backed communal living and cooperative efforts.
43
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-communism e.g. classless society (use key thinkers)
Kropotkin: Advocated for a classless society based on mutual aid and cooperation, where wealth is shared and there is no ruling class.
Goldman: Supported a classless society where the working class is free from exploitation, believing that equality would lead to greater freedom for all.
44
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-communism e.g. direct democracy and voluntary cooperation (use key thinkers)
Kropotkin: Supported direct democracy through local councils with decisions made collectively and guided by mutual aid.
Goldman: Advocated for direct democracy through face-to-face meetings - emphasising voluntary cooperation, mutual aid, and personal autonomy.
45
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-communism e.g. distribution based on need (use key thinkers)
Kropotkin: Supported distributing goods based on need, not profit, to eliminate exploitation and ensure everyone has what they need to live well.
Goldman: Believed in distribution based on need, opposing profit-driven capitalism, and saw mutual aid as a way to meet needs and promote solidarity, valuing people for their humanity.
46
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of mutualism e.g. mutual exchange (use key thinker)
Proudhon supported a system where people and communities exchange goods and services for mutual benefit, without seeking profit.
This would replace capitalism, where one party often exploits the other for money.
47
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of mutualism e.g. worker control (use key thinker)
Proudhon believed workers should directly manage production. In a mutualist society, they would collectively own and run businesses.
This ensures they benefit from their labour instead of capitalists or the state.
48
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of mutualism e.g. fair markets (use key thinker)
Proudhon wanted a market free from exploitation, where goods and services are traded based on labour value.
He also supported interest-free credit systems, allowing fair trade without capitalist control of money.
49
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of mutualism e.g. anti-state (use key thinker)
Proudhon opposed state authority and centralized power. He believed in a decentralised society.
In these local communities and workers' cooperatives make decisions, not a distant government or capitalist class.
50
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of mutualism e.g. property (use key thinker)
Proudhon argued that "Property is theft," suggesting that private property, especially when used to make a profit, is exploitative.
However, he supported "possession," meaning people should be able to use property for personal use, as long as it doesn't exploit others or lead to wealth accumulation.
51
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-syndicalism e.g. worker's self management
Promotes workers directly controlling their workplaces through democratic unions or groups.
Workers make decisions about how things are produced, distributed, and organised, instead of being controlled by bosses or the government.
52
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-syndicalism e.g. direct action
Anarcho-syndicalists focus on direct action, like strikes and boycotts, to create social change.
They avoid political parties and elections, aiming instead to directly challenge and disrupt capitalism and the state.
53
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-syndicalism e.g. worker's councils
Anarcho-syndicalism supports the creation of workers' councils or syndicates to manage industries and services.
These councils make decisions collectively and coordinate actions at local, regional, and national levels.
54
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-syndicalism e.g. abolition of the state/capitalism
Anarcho-syndicalists believe both the state and capitalism must be abolished.
They see the state as a tool for capitalist control and capitalism as an unfair system that creates hierarchies.
They want a stateless, classless society where production is managed cooperatively and democratically.
55
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-syndicalism e.g. solidarity
Anarcho-syndicalism values unity among workers' groups across industries.
These groups work together to challenge capitalism and the state. The goal is a society where workers control their work and lives, without bosses or government.
56
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of egoism e.g. self ownership
Individuals own themselves and should act in their own interest, without being bound by social, moral, or political norms.
57
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of egoism e.g. rejection of fixed ideals
Stirner rejects universal values, such as religion, morality, or the state, viewing them as limiting to individual freedom.
58
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of egoism e.g. 'The unique one'
Each person is unique and should prioritise their own desires, needs, and goals over any external authority or societal expectation.
59
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of egoism e.g. autonomy
Individuals should live according to their own will, free from any obligation to others or to abstract ideas like duty or justice.
60
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of egoism e.g. union of egoists
Stirner does not oppose cooperation but believes it should be based on mutual self-interest, where individuals come together freely for personal gain, not out of obligation.
61
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-capitalism e.g. a stateless society
There’s no state. All services, like law enforcement and defence, are provided by private companies or individuals.
62
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-capitalism e.g. free-market
Businesses operate without government rules, and people trade freely based on supply and demand.
63
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-capitalism e.g. private property
People have the right to own and control property, and all agreements are made through voluntary contracts.
64
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-capitalism e.g. voluntary exchange
All interactions, whether for business or personal matters, are based on mutual consent, with no force or coercion.
65
Features of anarchism:
What are the key features of anarcho-capitalism e.g. security
Instead of a government-run police force or court system, private companies handle security, law enforcement, and dispute resolution.
66
Core ideas/principles:
How do collectivist anarchists view the rejection of the state? (use key thinkers)
Anarcho-communist: Bakunin: Believed the state is a tool of oppression that serves the ruling class and limits freedom. He called for its abolition and the creation of a decentralised, cooperative society.
Mutualist: Proudhon: Argued that the state protects property rights that cause inequality and exploitation. He opposed both the state and capitalism, advocating for a mutualist society based on self-management and decentralization.
67
Core ideas/principles:
How do individualist anarchists view the rejection of the state? (use key thinkers)
Egoist: Stirner rejected the state because it forces people to conform and stops them from being free. He saw the state as a tool of control that prevents individuals from acting in their own self-interest and living according to their own will.
Anarcho-Capitalism: Rejects the state because it violates private property rights and creates laws that favour the powerful. Anarcho-capitalists believe in a society where everything is based on voluntary exchange with services that are provided privately.
68
Core ideas/principles:
How do collectivist anarchists view liberty? (use key thinkers)
Anarcho-Syndicalists: View liberty as freedom from the state and bosses, where people control their work and communities through unions and cooperation. Liberty means self-management and collective decision-making.
Mutualism: Proudhon: Saw anarchy as order without government, where people work together in voluntary associations and exchange goods fairly. He believed order could come from decentralised, self-managed communities based on mutual aid and equality.
69
Core ideas/principles:
How do individualist anarchists view liberty? (use key thinkers)
Egoist: Stirner: Liberty means complete freedom for the individual to act according to their own will, free from external authorities like the state, religion, or societal norms. He believed that true liberty comes from rejecting all constraints and embracing one's own self-interest.
Anarcho-capitalists: See liberty as the freedom to own property and engage in voluntary exchanges without interference from the state. They believe liberty is protected when private property rights are respected and when services like law enforcement are privatised, allowing for a free-market society.
70
Core ideas/principles:
How do collectivist anarchists view 'anarchy as order' (use key thinkers)
Anarcho-Syndicalism sees anarchy as order because it believes workers can organize society through unions and self-management. Instead of a government, people can create order by cooperating and making decisions together, without needing a central authority.
Anarcho-communism: Bakunin: Saw liberty as freedom from all authority, especially the state, and argued that true liberty can only be achieved by abolishing hierarchical structures and allowing individuals to live freely through mutual support and cooperation.
71
Core ideas/principles:
How do individualist anarchists view 'anarchy as order' (use key thinkers)
Egoism: Stirner: Believed that anarchy would lead to a natural order where individuals freely act based on their own will and self-interest. He saw this as a true form of order because people would be free to make their own choices without imposed rules, allowing for personal autonomy.
Anarcho-capitalists: believe anarchy creates order through voluntary exchanges and private property, with private companies handling law enforcement and dispute resolution.
72
Core ideas/principles:
How do collectivist anarchists view economic freedom? (use key thinkers)
Anarcho-communist: Kropotkin: Believed economic freedom means people freely cooperating and sharing resources in a society without exploitation. He thought that in an anarchist society, economic freedom comes from mutual aid, where everyone works together to meet each other's needs.
Mutualism: Goldman: Saw economic freedom as the right to live without being controlled by capitalist systems or the state. She believed in a society where people have the freedom to work for themselves, without exploitation, and can freely manage their own lives and resources.
73
Core ideas/principles:
How do individualist anarchists view economic freedom? (use key thinkers)
Egoism: Stirner: Believed economic freedom means individuals using and controlling resources based on their own desires, free from laws or societal rules allowing them full autonomy
Anarcho-capitalists: See economic freedom as the right to own property and trade freely in a market without government interference.
74
Core ideas/principles:
How do collectivist anarchists view the utopia? (use key thinkers)
Anarcho-communist: Bakunin: Believed utopia would be a society without the state, where people live freely, working together in voluntary, self-managed communities. He thought everyone should have equal power and opportunities, without rulers or hierarchies.
Mutualism: Goldman: Saw utopia as a society based on freedom, equality, and mutual respect, where people are free from state control and capitalist exploitation. In her ideal world, individuals would live in harmony, with social cooperation and personal autonomy.
75
Core ideas/principles:
How do individualist anarchists view the utopia? (use key thinkers)
Stirner: Believed utopia is a society where individuals are free to follow their own desires, without external authority. He thought each person should create their own ideal life, rejecting societal norms and collective goals.
Anarcho-capitalists: See utopia as a stateless society where all interactions are based on voluntary agreements, and property rights are fully respected. They believe the free market would resolve conflicts, with private businesses handling law, order, and other services.
76
Key Thinker:
What kind of anarchist is Bakunin?
Bakunin is a anarcho-communist.
He wanted to get rid of the state and private property, and replace them with shared ownership and control by the workers.
He believed in a society where people cooperate freely and equally, without any rulers.
77
Key Thinker:
What kind of anarchist is Kropotkin?
Kropotkin is a mutualist anarchist.
He believed in a society where people cooperate and share resources freely, without the state or capitalism, based on mutual aid and voluntary exchanges.
78
Key Thinker:
What kind of anarchist is Proudhon?
Proudhon is a mutualist anarchist. He believed in a society where people exchange goods and services freely, without the state or private property, based on fairness and mutual cooperation.
79
Key Thinker:
What kind of anarchist is Goldman?
Goldman is a mutualist anarchist. He believed in a society where people exchange goods and services freely, without the state or private property, based on fairness and mutual cooperation.
80
Key Thinker:
What kind of anarchist is Stirner?
Stirner is an egoist anarchist. He believed people should act in their own self-interest, free from the control of the state, society, or any authority.
81
Key Thinker:
What are Bakunin's key ideas e.g. the state
Bakunin believed in "propaganda by deed", meaning that direct action and revolutionary acts could inspire others to rise up against the state and authority.
He thought that by taking bold actions, people could show the power of resistance and encourage others to join the fight for freedom.
82
Key Thinker:
What are Bakunin's key ideas e.g. political participation
Bakunin believed that humans are naturally social and cooperative.
He thought people are inclined to work together and help each other, and that a free society should be based on mutual support, equality, and voluntary cooperation
83
Key Thinker:
What are Kropotkin's key ideas e.g. mutual aid
Kropotkin believed mutual aid (people helping each other) is natural and essential for survival. In an anarchist society, people would cooperate to meet each other’s needs, creating fairness and equality.
84
Key Thinker:
What are Kropotkin's key ideas e.g. anarchy as order
Kropotkin saw anarchy as order without the state. He believed that society could function harmoniously without rulers, with people freely cooperating and managing their own affairs.
For him, true order comes from voluntary cooperation and mutual support, not from imposed laws or authorities.
85
Key Thinker:
What are Proudhon's key ideas e.g. private property
Kropotkin rejected private property, especially in the means of production (factories, land, etc.).
He believed that private ownership leads to exploitation and inequality. In an anarchist society, resources and property would be shared collectively to ensure fairness and cooperation
86
Key Thinker:
What are Proudhon's key ideas e.g. rejection of the state
Kropotkin rejected the state because he saw it as a tool of oppression and control, serving the interests of the powerful.
He believed that society could function better without a state, with people managing their own affairs through voluntary cooperation and mutual aid.
87
Key Thinker:
What are Goldman's key ideas e.g. the state
Bakunin saw the state as a "cold monster" because it controls and exploits people.
He believed the state is not neutral, but a tool used by the powerful to dominate and strip people of their freedom.
88
Key Thinker:
What are Goldman's key ideas e.g.
Bakunin argued that political participation in the state is corrupt because it supports an oppressive system.
He believed true freedom comes from abolishing the state and building a society based on voluntary cooperation, not through politics.
89
Key Thinker:
What are Stirner's key ideas e.g. self interested and rational individual
Stirner believed that people should act based on their own self-interest and desires.
He argued that individuals are the best judges of what is good for them and should make decisions based on their own will, free from external influences like society, morality, or the state.
90
Key Thinker:
What are Stirner's key ideas e.g. union of egoism
Stirner's concept of the "union of egoism" means people can temporarily work together when it benefits their self-interest, but they should never sacrifice their personal freedom.
This union is not about collective values but about individuals joining forces for mutual benefit while still acting in their own self-interest.
91
Key Thinker:
What are Bakunin's view on human nature?
Bakunin believed that humans are naturally cooperative and social.
He thought people are inclined to work together and help each other, rather than being selfish or competitive. He believed that in a free society, human nature could flourish without oppression.
92
Key Thinker:
What are Bakunin's view on the state?
Bakunin saw the state as a tool of oppression. He believed that the state was used by the ruling class to control and exploit the masses.
For him, the state was inherently violent and coercive, and it must be abolished to achieve true freedom
93
Key Thinker:
What are Bakunin's view on society?
Bakunin thought society should be based on voluntary cooperation.
He believed that in a stateless society, people would freely organise in local communities, without rulers or hierarchies, to manage their lives and resources together.
93
Key Thinker:
What are Bakunin's view on the economy?
Bakunin wanted to abolish private property and capitalism.
He believed that the economy should be based on collective ownership of the means of production, where workers control the resources they use and produce, rather than being exploited by capitalists.
94
Key Thinker:
What are Kropotkin's view on human nature?
Kropotkin believed that humans are naturally cooperative and kind. He thought people have an instinct to help and support each other, and that cooperation, not competition, is key to human survival and progress.
95
Key Thinker:
What are Kropotkin's view on society?
Kropotkin believed society should be based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid. He thought that people could work together to meet their needs without rulers or hierarchies, creating a more equal and fair world.
95
Key Thinker:
What are Kropotkin's view on the state?
Kropotkin rejected the state because he saw it as a tool of oppression, benefiting the rich and powerful. He believed that the state creates inequality and prevents people from living freely. He thought a stateless society would be more just and cooperative.
96
Key Thinker:
What are Kropotkin's view on the economy?
Kropotkin rejected capitalism and private property, believing that resources should be shared and managed collectively.
He envisioned an economy based on mutual aid and cooperation, where people work together to produce and distribute goods fairly
97
Key Thinker:
What are Proudhon's view on human nature?
Proudhon believed that humans are naturally social and capable of self-management.
He argued that people could govern themselves and organise their lives without the need for a state. For him, cooperation and mutual respect were central to human nature.
98
Key Thinker:
What are Proudhon's view on the state?
Proudhon rejected the state because he saw it as an oppressive institution that protected the interests of the powerful.
He believed the state was inherently coercive and that true freedom could only be achieved by dismantling the state and replacing it with decentralized, self-managed communities.
99
Key Thinker:
What are Proudhon's view on society?
Proudhon envisioned a society based on mutualism, where people would engage in fair, voluntary exchanges and cooperatives.
He believed that society should be organized around federations of free associations, where individuals and communities freely manage their own affairs without the interference of the state
100
Key Thinker:
What are Goldman's view on the state?
Goldman was strongly against the state, viewing it as a tool of oppression that enforces inequality and violence.
She believed that the state protects the interests of the wealthy and powerful, while keeping the masses in submission.
For Goldman, true freedom could only exist in a stateless society where people govern themselves.
100
Key Thinker:
What are Proudhon's view on the economy?
Proudhon opposed both capitalism and state socialism. He believed in the idea of mutual credit and wanted a system where people could exchange goods and services freely, without exploitation.
Proudhon proposed a decentralized economic system where workers and producers control the means of production through mutual aid and cooperatives, rejecting private ownership of land and capital.
101
Key Thinker:
What are Goldman's view on human nature?
Goldman believed that humans are naturally good and capable of compassion.
She thought that people have the potential to live harmoniously without oppressive systems like the state or capitalism, and that human creativity and freedom flourish when individuals are not constrained by authority.
102
Key Thinker:
What are Goldman's view on society?
Goldman believed in a society based on freedom and equality, where people live without hierarchy or coercion.
She supported a society where individuals are free to express themselves and pursue their desires, while also respecting others' freedoms.
She saw mutual aid and solidarity as central to a healthy, just society
103
Key Thinker:
What are Goldman's view on the economy?
Goldman rejected capitalism and private property. She believed that the economy should be based on cooperation, not competition.
She envisioned a society where wealth is shared, workers control the means of production, and resources are distributed based on need, not profit.
She also supported workers' self-management and direct action to challenge economic inequality.
104
Key Thinker:
What are Stirner's views on human nature?
Stirner believed that humans are driven by self-interest.
He argued that people are not naturally bound by any collective values, moral systems, or societal expectations. Instead, individuals should act based on their own desires and needs, prioritizing their own will above all else.
105
Key Thinker:
What are Stirner's views on the state?
Stirner saw the state as a form of external control that limits individual freedom.
He rejected the state because it imposes rules, laws, and authority on individuals, which prevents them from realising their full potential.
For Stirner, true freedom means rejecting all authority, including the state.
106
Key Thinker:
What are Stirner's views on society?
Stirner did not believe in societal norms or collective goals. He argued that society should be made up of free individuals who act in their own self-interest.
Stirner’s ideal society would be one where individuals are not bound by the expectations or demands of others, but instead pursue their own desires freely.
107
Key Thinker:
What are Stirner's views on the economy?
Stirner was critical of economic systems that restrict individual autonomy.
He rejected both capitalism and socialism if they required individuals to conform to external rules.
He advocated for individual ownership and self-interest, where people control their own resources and make decisions based on their needs and desires.
108
Differing views and tensions:
How do anarchists agree on their view of human nature? (use key thinkers)
Anarcho-communist: Bakunin: Believed that humans are naturally cooperative and have an instinct to work together for the common good. He thought that when free from oppression, people would naturally form voluntary, equal communities
Mutualist: Proudhon: Believed humans are naturally social and capable of self-management. He believed people could govern themselves through mutual cooperation without needing a state.
109
Differing views and tensions:
How do anarchists disagree on their view of human nature? (use key thinkers)
Mutualist: Goldman: Believed people are inherently good, compassionate, and capable of living in harmony when free from authority. She thought humans could naturally cooperate and live equally without being controlled.
Egoist: Stirner: Believed humans are driven by self-interest and egoism. He thought people act based on their own desires, and cooperation only happens if it benefits the individual, not for any collective good.
110
Differing views and tensions:
How do anarchists agree on their view of the state? (use key thinkers)
Mutualist: Proudhon: Believed the state protects the wealthy and powerful, keeping inequality and exploitation. He wanted to replace it with a system of mutual cooperation and voluntary agreements.
Anarcho-communist: Kropotkin: Saw the state as a way to control people and benefit the elite. He argued for a stateless society based on mutual aid, where people cooperate freely in decentralised communities without rulers.
Anarcho-syndicalists: View the state as an oppressive system that supports capitalism and the elite. They believe the state exists to control and exploit workers. Syndicalists want to abolish the state and replace it with a society organized by workers' unions and direct action.
111
Differing views and tensions:
How do anarchists disagree on their view of the state? (use key thinkers)
Mutualist: Goldman believed the state is oppressive and creates inequality, especially for the poor. She wanted to abolish the state through revolution and build a society based on freedom and cooperation.
Anarcho-Capitalists want to get rid of the state because it hurts property rights and the free market. They want a society where services like law enforcement are privatized, and property rights are fully protected. Unlike Goldman, they prefer a market system over cooperation.
112
Differing views and tensions:
How do anarchists agree on their view of society? (use key thinkers)
Mutualist: Proudhon: Believed in a society where people manage their own affairs through mutual aid and federated associations, without the need for a central government or state.
Anarcho-Syndicalists also favour worker self-management and direct action through unions and worker-controlled industries to replace capitalism and the state.
113
Differing views and tensions:
How do anarchists disagree on their view of society? (use key thinkers)
Anarcho-Syndicalists: Believe workers' unions should lead the change, with workers taking control of the economy through direct action and self-management.
Anarcho-communist: Kropotkin: Focused more on community cooperation and voluntary associations, where people work together without needing unions to lead the way.
114
Differing views and tensions:
How do anarchists agree on their view of the economy? (use key thinkers)
Egoist: Stirner: Believed that individuals should pursue their own egoistic goals, free from any collective obligations or constraints, including in economic matters.
Anarcho-Capitalists also support a system where individuals act based on their self-interest, emphasizing free markets and private property.
115
Differing views and tensions:
How do anarchists disagree on their view of the economy? (use key thinkers)
Egoist: Stirner: Believed the economy should be based on individual self-interest. He rejected any collective systems and wanted people to act for their own benefit, without being bound by social or economic rules.
Anarcho-communist: Bakunin: Wanted a collective economy based on cooperation. He believed the working class should control the economy together, with shared effort and mutual aid, rather than individual gain.
