Anarchy as an Organizing Principle

Anarchism is a political philosophy which seeks to replace hierarchies and other types of authority with egalitarianism. It has been used as an organizing principle both by stateless societies in the past, and by anti-establishment social movements like Occupy Wall Street in recent decades.

The word "anarchy" comes from the Greek "ἀναρχία" meaning "without authority." Defining this principle, however, can be difficult. The term anarchism implies a focus on liberty and autonomy that mainly precludes government, but it also encompasses notions of equality or mutual aid. Further complicating any simple definition is the need to distinguish between anarchy as an ideal or desirable social system (i.e. an anti-authoritarian version of communism), and anarchy as an action (i.e. dismantling the state).

Nevertheless, we can describe anarchy as a political philosophy that seeks to abolish authority wherever possible and replace it with autonomy, fairness and mutual aid. This principle can be found in past and contemporary anarchist movements, but also serves as a personal ideal for many anarchists today. Anarchism is most commonly associated with the label "anarcho-communism" or "libertarian socialism" (though others may self-identify under other labels such as "autonomist", "libertarian communist", or "collectivist"). It draws from various strains of thought, including classical liberalism and socialist theory.

Anarchism is a philosophy that encompasses the idea of a stateless society. This does not preclude the existence of other types of government in anarchy. Rather, it suggests a system based on voluntary association and mutual aid, with no central authority or hierarchy. Generally speaking, any form of government that exists under anarchy is considered "parasitic."

The distinguishing feature between anarchism and other forms of anti-authoritarianism or anti-statism is that anarchists regard hierarchical power (that which they deem "authority") as not only unnecessary but also dangerous. By "dangerous" they do not necessarily mean violent, though it can be. Authorities make a claim to legitimacy by controlling some aspect of reality, whether it be a geographical area or an aspect of human life (such as money). They then use this control to restrict liberty, making social organization difficult and violent rebellion inevitable.

Since authority also seeks to ensure its own perpetuation through the exercise of power, anarchists regard the state as inherently self-perpetuating. This view is epitomized by Bakunin in his famous aphorism that "States perish from suicide, not by murder.” For Bakunin, the state was synonymous with the present-day nation-state. In his future vision of society, however, international federations would be forged out of voluntary association rather than an enforced hierarchy.

Anarchy as an ideal form is a political philosophy that primarily rejects government and replaces it with voluntary associations or organizations based on mutual aid. Authorities are often seen as the problem and are generally opposed by anarchists. Since anarchist principles reject the state, "anarcho"-government may also be considered anarchistic.

Soundings and Impressions of Anarchism

by Burt Sheveluch, Expository Essay, 2013. http://www.anarchypublications.org/incredible-facts-about-anarchism/sounding.html

WOA: Anarchism and Social Science http://www.anarchicomposite.com/works/woa_site_files/woa_6_1eb6ffd0a38faede824f08b9a13750993ed2d25f6b6433e3256cdc84ad88673cf.pdf

Anarchism and Anarchist-Communism http://www.anarchicomposite.com/works/woa_site_files/woa_1e06c6ca2657378b2790f18e7c24a69e5d2fc9b8d869f75cb028cb0ba39ac3a3.pdf

The Social Sciences and Anarchism http://libcom.org/library/the-social-sciences-and-anarchism

Anarchy in the classroom: the proletariat, democracy and education http://libcom.org/library/anarchy-classroom-proletariat-democracy-education

Social anarchism http://www.infoshop.org/library/The%20Social%20Anarchists%20Workbook#sigFreeIdba06d039b Viewed 87300 times on 24 Jul 2018.

Collectives and Syndicates

Anarchism is sometimes called collectivism because it advocates a nonhierarchical economy. In this view, work is a voluntary social act that does not result in an exchange of goods or services for money, nor does it depend on authority for its existence. Such a social organization, therefore, is also non-capitalist in the sense that no surplus remains after all costs are paid. In anarchist theory, this describes a type of economic system without banks or private property rights. Some examples of collectives and syndicates include:

Communes . Anarchists believe that society can be organized so that each person is ultimately responsible for his or her own survival and could form collective groups (as I've described above). In some cases, these have been called "communes."

. Anarchists believe that society can be organized so that each person is ultimately responsible for his or her own survival and could form collective groups (as I've described above). In some cases, these have been called "communes." Mutualism . A non-capitalist, nonhierarchical system based on worker's councils. In this system, workers receive wage-labour in exchange for the labour that they perform. In the same way, people can get access to goods and services by selling the products of their labour.

. A non-capitalist, nonhierarchical system based on worker's councils. In this system, workers receive wage-labour in exchange for the labour that they perform. In the same way, people can get access to goods and services by selling the products of their labour. Guilds .

Conclusion

The principles of anarchism are the complete opposite of capitalist economics, where the individual is "free" to exploit the labour and other resources of society. Anarchism, in contrast, involves cooperation instead of competition and mutual support instead of exploitation. To learn more about anarchism read my article "Anarchism 101: A Basic Introduction to Anarchist Philosophy."

REFERENCES

Anarchists Against Capitalism http://www.anarchicomposite.