Difference between revisions of "Anarchism"
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'''Anarchism''' is a political philosophy advocating the removal of the State and the establishment of a society without government. The term is of [[Greek]] origin (coming from the word "αναρχία" (anarchia), meaning "without rulers". | '''Anarchism''' is a political philosophy advocating the removal of the State and the establishment of a society without government. The term is of [[Greek]] origin (coming from the word "αναρχία" (anarchia), meaning "without rulers". | ||
| − | + | ==Traditional anarchism== | |
| + | |||
| + | Traditional anarchism is similar to [[communism]], though unlike in communism, traditional anarchists do not favor [[socialism]] as a means to their end, as it requires a state. Traditional anarchists advocate the formation of [[collectives]]. Traditional anarchism rejects all authority, both business and government. | ||
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| + | ==Individualist anarchism and anarcho-capitalism== | ||
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| + | Individualist anarchism, unlike traditional anarchism, does not advocate collectives. Individualist anarchists differ on the status of [[private property]] and other rights. | ||
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| + | [[Anarcho-capitalism]], a form of individualist anarchism, favors private police agencies, security companies, and arbitration instead of government. Anarcho-capitalism is the most extreme form of [[libertarianism]]. | ||
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| + | ==Relationship between the two== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Traditional anarchists argue that anarcho-capitalists are not true anarchists. This is due to their support of the authority of business and private property. Traditional anarchists argue that one cannot live without wages under a [[capitalist]] system. | ||
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| + | Anarcho-capitalists argue that all support of business is voluntary, since one can choose between companies under a capitalist system. Anarcho-capitalists reject collectives, since they focus on the community rather than the individual, which may lead to a loss of individual freedom. | ||
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| + | ==Anarchism in practice== | ||
| + | |||
| + | Many anarchists believe in a peaceful means of achieving an anarchist system. Some of these means include not voting, secession from government, and peaceful protesting. | ||
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| + | Other anarchists support violence as a means of achieving anarchism. Some anarchist groups have been labeled [[terrorist]] organizations by the US government. | ||
==Other uses== | ==Other uses== | ||
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*[[Nihilism]] | *[[Nihilism]] | ||
*[[Anarchopedia]] | *[[Anarchopedia]] | ||
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| + | ==Sources== | ||
| + | *[http://www.infoshop.org/faq/ An Anarchist FAQ] - From a traditional anarchist point of view. | ||
| + | *[http://www.mises.org/ Ludwig von Mises Institute] - Promotes Austrian [[economics]] as well as anarcho-capitalism. | ||
[[category:International Politics]] | [[category:International Politics]] | ||
[[category:Political Theory]] | [[category:Political Theory]] | ||
[[category:Politics]] | [[category:Politics]] | ||
Revision as of 23:56, February 17, 2008
Anarchism is a political philosophy advocating the removal of the State and the establishment of a society without government. The term is of Greek origin (coming from the word "αναρχία" (anarchia), meaning "without rulers".
Traditional anarchism
Traditional anarchism is similar to communism, though unlike in communism, traditional anarchists do not favor socialism as a means to their end, as it requires a state. Traditional anarchists advocate the formation of collectives. Traditional anarchism rejects all authority, both business and government.
Individualist anarchism and anarcho-capitalism
Individualist anarchism, unlike traditional anarchism, does not advocate collectives. Individualist anarchists differ on the status of private property and other rights.
Anarcho-capitalism, a form of individualist anarchism, favors private police agencies, security companies, and arbitration instead of government. Anarcho-capitalism is the most extreme form of libertarianism.
Relationship between the two
Traditional anarchists argue that anarcho-capitalists are not true anarchists. This is due to their support of the authority of business and private property. Traditional anarchists argue that one cannot live without wages under a capitalist system.
Anarcho-capitalists argue that all support of business is voluntary, since one can choose between companies under a capitalist system. Anarcho-capitalists reject collectives, since they focus on the community rather than the individual, which may lead to a loss of individual freedom.
Anarchism in practice
Many anarchists believe in a peaceful means of achieving an anarchist system. Some of these means include not voting, secession from government, and peaceful protesting.
Other anarchists support violence as a means of achieving anarchism. Some anarchist groups have been labeled terrorist organizations by the US government.
Other uses
In addition to being a philosophy, anarchy can also be a description of a system in which there is no higher governmental authority. The world level of political interaction is considered anarchical, because there is no power over the sovereign states (i.e. there is no world government).
See Also
Sources
- An Anarchist FAQ - From a traditional anarchist point of view.
- Ludwig von Mises Institute - Promotes Austrian economics as well as anarcho-capitalism.