Anarchism

Introduction

Anarchism is a political ideology that advocates for the abolition of government and the establishment of a society based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid. Anarchists believe that government is unnecessary and oppressive. They believe individuals and communities can organize themselves more justly and equitably than they currently are. Anarchism belongs neither to the right nor to the left, as there are both anarchocapitalist libertarians and anarchocommunist leftists, and some who are agnostic between the two (or have their own flavor!). Anarchists are frequently branded as unruly and even terroristic (read: Ted Kaczysnki), but many believe that this is unfair, and that anarchists simply want to prevent the terrorism of government.

For

One argument in favor of anarchism is that government is inherently corrupt, serving the ruling class's interests rather than the people's needs. Anarchists argue that government is often used to suppress the people and is prone to abuse of power, corruption, and exploitation. They believe that a society based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid would be more just and equitable, allowing people to live in a way unfettered by bureaucratic regimes aligned with their values.

Another argument favoring anarchism is that it allows for greater freedom and autonomy. Anarchists believe that individuals are best able to make decisions about their own lives and that government interference only serves to restrict personal freedom and independence. They argue that a society based on Anarchist values would allow individuals to express themselves without state coercion.

Some libertarians make the argument that taxation, the method of funding the government, is inherently theft in that it coerces money from the population without their explicit consent. If the method by which government operates is illegitimate, then the government itself might be too.

Against

However, there are also arguments against anarchism. A standard view is that anarchism is impractical and would lead to chaos and disorder. Critics, such as philosopher Thomas Hobbes in Leviathan, argue that a society without a government would be unable to maintain law and order, making it vulnerable to crime and violence. They also say that anarchism does not provide a solution for issues such as national defense and international relations because there is no centralized ability to exert force. It would also be unable to address more significant social problems, such as poverty and inequality, without the organization that an overarching system would provide, leaving people to resort mainly to charity.

Another argument against anarchism is that it is incompatible with human nature. Critics argue that humans are naturally selfish and competitive, so a society based on voluntary cooperation would be unable to function. They say that a government must enforce laws and maintain social order and that anarchism is a naive and untenable ideal.

Discussion Questions

• Is anarchism a realistic and practical political ideology?
• How would a society based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid be able to address issues such as national defense and international relations?
• Is anarchism compatible with human nature, or are humans naturally selfish and competitive?
• How would a society based on anarchism address social problems such as poverty and inequality?
• What are the potential drawbacks of anarchism, and how could they be addressed?
• Is anarchism a desirable alternative to traditional forms of government, or are they necessary for maintaining social order?
• Are the principles of America (freedom and small government among them) compatible with anarchism?