Anarchism: Emma Goldman and David Graeber

Emma Goldman Anarchism

• Anarchism is a philosophy advocating for a social order grounded in unrestricted liberty by man-made law.
• John Henry Mackay authored the poem quoted in the excerpt about Anarchy.
• Oscar Wilde was quoted in relation to the practicality of existing conditions and critique of societal frameworks.
• Violence and Destruction are common misconceptions concerning Anarchism that Goldman addresses.
• Proudhon refers to the ideas of property as theft ("property is robbery").
• David Thoreau is mentioned regarding government and its tyranny.
• Peter Kropotkin's quotes concern crime and human nature.
• Emerson's quotes highlight the value of the active soul and its connection to individual liberty.
• Bakunin is associated with ideas on the State and individual liberty.
• General Strike is mentioned as an expression of economic consciousness among workers.

David Graeber: Are you an anarchist?

• Anarchism is a political philosophy that advocates for self-organization and voluntary association without centralized authority.
• Self-Organization asserts individuals can organize themselves without external coercion.
• Voluntary Association is participation in groups or organizations based on mutual consent rather than imposed authority.
• "Power Corrupts" is the idea that individuals in positions of power tend to abuse that power.
• Mutual Aid is a practice of cooperation and support among individuals and communities.
• Consensus Decision-Making is a method for reaching agreements in groups that emphasizes collaboration and consideration for all opinions.
• Anarchist Principles are basic beliefs that underpin anarchism, including the idea that human beings are generally reasonable and can work together cooperatively.

V for Vendetta

• V is the protagonist and central figure who seeks to instigate change in a dystopian society.
• Evey Hammond is a key character who undergoes significant development throughout the story.
• Dystopia is the societal setting in which the narrative unfolds, characterized by oppressive control and widespread fear.
• Anarchy is a central theme represented by the actions and ideology of V, promoting a society without controlling authority.
• Totalitarianism is a concept explored in the narrative, depicting the government's authoritarian control over citizens.
• The Guy Fawkes mask is a symbol associated with V, representing rebellion against oppression.
• The State refers to the ruling government entity that enforces its power with control over the populace.
• Revenge is a key motivation for V's actions, highlighting themes of justice and morality.

Manifesto of the Communist Party

• Bourgeoisie are the class of modern capitalists who own the means of production.
• Proletariat are the class of modern wage laborers who sell their labor to survive.
• Communism is a political ideology that advocates for the abolition of private property and aims for a classless society.
• Class Struggle is the conflict of interests between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
• Private Property is property that is owned by individuals or corporations that exploit wage labor.
• Historical Materialism is the theory that material conditions of a society's productive forces determine its social structures and ideologies.
• Revolution is a fundamental change in political power or organizational structures that takes place in a relatively short period.
• Means of Production are facilities and tools for producing goods and services.
• Political Power is the authority to control the governance of a state or organization.
• Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals or businesses own capital goods.
• Manifesto is a public declaration of intentions, motives, or views, particularly of a political nature.
• Alienation is the separation of individuals from their human potential, led to by capitalist production modes.
• Proletarian Revolution is the uprising of the working class against the bourgeoisie.

Looking Backward

• Edward Bellamy is the author of "Looking Backward."
• "Looking Backward" is the title of the work from which the excerpts are taken.
• Boston in the Year 1857 is the setting and time period when the narrator is born.
• Class Division refers to the four classes of society mentioned.
• Industrial System is the economic structure discussed, particularly in relation to labor and capital.
• Concentration of Capital is the process whereby capital is aggregated into fewer hands, leading to larger corporations.
• Great Trust refers to the final consolidation of capital into a national system in the future society depicted.
• Workers' Rights are issues arising from the labor movements, such as demands for better wages and conditions.
• Natural Human Nature is the concept of morality and human effort discussed by Dr. Leete.
• Credit System refers to the way that goods are distributed in the future society, as described in the excerpts.

Evolutionary Socialism

• Eduard Bernstein introduced the concept of revisionist Marxism.
• Evolutionary Socialism posits socialism can be achieved through gradual reforms rather than revolutionary means.
• Revisionism is the idea of revising or updating traditional Marxist doctrine in light of new social and economic realities.
• "Immiseration of the Proletariat” is a Marxist prediction that capitalism would lead to the worsening conditions of the working class, which Bernstein challenged.
• Trade Unions are organizations formed by workers to advocate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, which Bernstein believed could help evolve capitalism into socialism.
• Revolutionary Proletariat is workers overthrowing the capitalist system through revolution, which Bernstein argued against.
• Utopianism is the belief in achieving a perfect society, which Bernstein critiqued in the context of Marxist theory.
• Marxism is a socio-political and economic theory by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, emphasizing class struggle and the need for proletarian revolution.
• Scientific Socialism is a term often used by Marxists to describe their scientific analysis of capitalism and class relations.
• Vanguard Party is Lenin's concept of a highly organized elite party leading the working class to revolution, as opposed to Bernstein's reformist approach.
• Social Democratic Movement is a political movement aiming to achieve socialist goals through democratic means rather than through revolutionary tactics.
• Social Wealth is the collective resources and productive forces of society, relevant in discussions of socialism's viability and goals.

Capitalism and Freedom

• Milton Friedman is known for his work on the relationship between capitalism and freedom.
• Capitalism is characterized by private ownership and free markets, emphasized by Friedman as a necessary condition for political freedom.
• Economic Freedom is the freedom of individuals to control their own economic resources, viewed as both an end in itself and a means to achieve political freedom.
• Political Freedom is the rights guaranteed to individuals in a political context, often linked to economic arrangements.
• Democratic Socialism is critiqued by Friedman for its perceived incompatibility with individual freedom.
• Totalitarian Socialism is a system of government that Friedman argues restricts individual freedom, contrasted with democratic socialism.
• The Amish Sect is used as an example to illustrate issues of personal freedom in relation to compulsory programs.
• Competitive Capitalism promotes both economic and political freedom by separating economic power from political power.
• Collectivism prioritizes group over individual rights, which Friedman critiques.
• Proportional Representation is attributed by Friedman to the market's ability to allow diversity in choices without requiring conformity.
• Monopoly can inhibit freedom and fair competition, according to Friedman.
• Neighborhood Effects are externalities that affect individuals not directly involved in a transaction.
• Paternalism is viewed with skepticism by Friedman within the context of freedom.
• Government is described by Friedman as necessary for maintaining law and order, defining property rights, and providing a monetary framework.

Utopia

• Utopia was coined by Thomas More, signifying an idealized society that may not actually exist.
• Dystopia often depicts a society characterized by oppression and negative characteristics, contrasting utopia.
• Utopian Political Thought is the study and creation of ideals for a better society.
• Eutopia represents a "good place" that is idealized.
• Outopia represents "no place," indicating an unreachable ideal.
• Homo utopicus refers to the mindset of individuals who aspire to create or live in utopia.
• Political Animal is a concept derived from Aristotle, suggesting that humans are inherently political beings.
• Social Dreaming refers to the universal human aspiration for a better society.
• Retrotopia is a nostalgic vision of the past, often idealizing earlier times as better than the present.
• Imaginary Reconstruction of Society seeks to critically engage with the concept of society.
• Golden Age Stories describe a perfect past that has since deteriorated.
• Political Legitimacy is the acceptance and justification of power and authority within a political community.
• Hierarchy and Class Structures relate to the organization and stratification of societies in utopian visions.
• Realism in Utopia refers to the need for utopian ideas to be plausible within their context.
• Community and Autonomy is the relationship between individuals and the collective in the pursuit of a utopian idea.

The one who walks away from Omelas

• Omelas is characterized by its joy and happiness.
• The Festival of Summer showcases the joy of Omelas's citizens.
• The Child represents the cost of happiness in Omelas, living in misery.
• Joy vs. Guilt is the conflict between the joy of the citizens and the guilt associated with the child's suffering.
• Those Who Walk Away choose to leave Omelas upon realizing the price of happiness.
• Ursula K. Le Guin is known for her speculative fiction and thought-provoking themes.
• The Great Water-Meadow, also known as Green Fields, is where the Festival's horse races take place.
• The Procession is a ceremonial movement of the townspeople during the festival.
• Morality and Sacrifice involves the ethical implications surrounding the happiness of Omelas and the child's suffering.
• Imagined Utopia portrays Omelas as a seemingly perfect society that hides dark truths.

Lord of The Flies

• Ralph is the protagonist and elected chief of the boys on the island.
• Piggy represents intellect and reason.
• Jack Merridew becomes the head of a tribe.
• The Conch symbolizes authority and civilization.
• Simon represents innate goodness and morality.
• Roger symbolizes brutality.
• Civilization vs. Savagery explores the conflict between societal rules and primal instincts.
• The Beast symbolizes primal instincts and fear.
• The Fire represents hope of rescue and the boys' connection to civilization.
• The Lord of the Flies symbolizes inherent evil in humanity.

Equality and Partiality

• Impersonal Standpoint overlooks personal biases, considering the interests of all equally.
• Personal Standpoint involves individual concerns, desires, and interests.
• Moral Equality asserts every individual's life matters equally, and no one's interests are inherently superior.
• Political Legitimacy is the ethical justification for the authority of a political system, requiring acceptance by those living under it.
• Utopianism is an ideal society, often criticized as unattainable or unrealistic within current societal structure.
• Kantian Ethics emphasizes individual autonomy and universally acceptable moral principles.
• Conflict of Interests arises between impersonal moral demands and personal motives.
• Solidarity is the principle of unity or agreement, especially among individuals with common interests.
• Toleration is the practice of allowing differing views or behaviors in a social context.
• Egalitarianism is the belief in the equality of all people, especially in political, economic, and social aspects.

Leviathan

• Leviathan represents the social contract and sovereign authority.
• Natural Law governs human behavior and society based on reason.
• Sovereignty is the ultimate power or authority of a state or governing body.
• Commonwealth is the political entity formed by the collective agreement of individuals.
• Social Contract is an agreement among individuals to form a government for mutual benefit.
• State of Nature is the hypothetical condition of humanity before the establishment of organized society.
• Right of Nature (Jus Naturale) is the liberty each man has to use his power for his own preservation.
• Justice and Injustice relate to the performance of covenants and moral actions within society.
• Prudence is the ability to govern oneself based on experience.
• Equity is fairness in the distribution of justice and rights.
• Pride and Vanity are important aspects of human motivation mentioned in the context of social behavior.
• Rights of Sovereigns are the specific powers and responsibilities of a sovereign ruler.
• Civil War is a conflict arising within a state due to disagreements over governance.

Anarchy, State and Utopia

• State of Nature refers to a condition of human life before organized society, particularly discussed by John Locke.
• Locke's law of nature emphasizes rights to life, liberty, and property.
• Mutual-Protection Associations are formed for collective defense and enforcement of rights.
• Self-enforcement of Rights involves individuals protecting their rights without state intervention.
• Dominant Protective Association is a strong protective agency that emerges when multiple agencies compete in a geographical area.
• Invisible-Hand Explanation suggests individual self-interest can lead to beneficial outcomes for society.
• Minimal State is a government limited to protecting individual rights without extensive intervention.
• Social Contract is a theory about the origin of societies and legitimacy of authority grounded in mutual agreements.
• Distributive Justice determines how goods and resources should be allocated in society.
• Entitlement Theory focuses on individuals' rights to acquire and transfer holdings without interfering with others' rights.
• Utopia is an ideal society or community with a perfect socio-political system.
• Equal Opportunity offers the same chances versus ensuring everyone ends up in the same position is Equality of Outcome.
• Society of Utopias argues against a single place.

Anarchism (Godwin)

• William Godwin believes that humanity's goal is to approach perfect knowledge.
• Progress can only be accomplished by people thinking for themselves (not imitating others).
• Institutions like laws are to some degree evil.
• Godwin identifies marriage as one such institution: forced monogamy, where neither partner can leave, is coercive and leads people to lie to themselves.
• Godwin's theory offers a moral argument against the state.
• It is not necessary to maintain internal cohesion (associations can do that) or invasion (temporary alliances can do that).
• People will rationally not attack others.

Harrison Bergeron

• Harrison Bergeron is the main character who rebels against societal restrictions.
• George Bergeron is burdened with handicaps to prevent him from using his intelligence.
• Hazel Bergeron has a "perfectly average intelligence."
• Diana Moon Glampers enforces the laws of equality.
• Handicaps ensure that no one has an advantage over anyone else.
• The 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments enforce equality.
• The concept of equality is explored as an enforced societal standard.
• Satire is used by Vonnegut to criticize the extreme measures for equality.
• The year 2081 is when everyone is mandated to be equal.
• Ballet and Dance represents beauty and grace constrained by handicaps.

Plato's Allegory of the Cave

• The Cave represents ignorance and the limited perspective of those who have not encountered true knowledge.
• Prisoners symbolize individuals trapped in ignorance, only experiencing a false reality.
• Shadows on the Wall represent illusions or false beliefs.
• Chains symbolize constraints (cultural norms, biases, and lack of education) that prevents people from seeking true knowledge.
• The Fire represents artificial light and a limited form of truth.
• The Puppeteers symbolize those in power who control the information people receive, shaping their perceptions.
• The Escapee represents a philosopher or enlightened thinker who seeks and attains true knowledge.
• The Ascent out of the Cave symbolizes the journey from ignorance to knowledge and enlightenment.
• The Sun represents the ultimate truth and knowledge (often equated with the Form of the Good).
• The Pain of Enlightenment is the discomfort experienced when exposed to new truths that challenge previously held beliefs.
• Returning to the Cave is the responsibility of the enlightened person to help others see the truth, even if they resist.
• The Hostility of the Prisoners is the rejection faced by those who challenge the status quo or bring new knowledge.
• Epistemology is concerned with knowledge.

Sir Thomas More's Utopia

• Thomas More authored Utopia and was later executed by King Henry VIII.
• Utopia represents an ideal vision of government and social organization.
• Raphael Hythloday describes Utopia.
• Peter Giles appears in the frame narrative.
• The Frame Narrative introduces More and Giles meeting Hythloday.
• The Island of Utopia is structured around communal property and rational governance.
• Private Property is abolished in Utopia to give greater equality and justice.
• Communal Living is a key principle of wealth being shared and no one owns personal property.
• Utopian Government is a republican system with elected officials and an emphasis on rational leadership.
• Prince Utopus is the legendary founder of Utopia.
• Religious Tolerance allows multiple religions to coexist.
• Slavery involves criminals and prisoners of war being enslaved,
• Education is highly valued and universally available.
• Work and Leisure requires citizens to work only six hours a day.
• Gold and Silver are used for chamber pots and chains for slaves.
• Laws and Lawyers are few.
• Marriage and Family are taken seriously, with strict rules in place including those relating to fidelity and premarital behavior.
• Travel Restrictions require Utopians must have permission to travel.
• Warfare in Utopia involves avoiding war but hiring mercenaries when necessary.
• Satire in Utopia may be read as both a serious proposal and a critique of European society.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote Discourse on Inequality.
• State of Nature is Rousseau's hypothetical condition of humanity before society.
• Natural Inequality is differences in physical traits.
• Moral or Political Inequality is created by social conventions, property, and institutions arguing that inequalities areunnatural.
• Pity (or Compassion) kept early humans from harming one another.
• Amour de soi is self-love focused on survival and well-being.
• Amour-propre is pride or vanity that leads to competition, jealousy, and inequality.
• The Noble Savage is humans in the state of nature as peaceful, self-sufficient, and uncorrupted by society.
• Private Property is seen as the key moment that led to inequality and social corruption.
• Social Contract hints at legitimate government being based on the general will,
• Metallurgy and Agriculture led to economic inequality, specialization, and dependence on others.
• Division of Labor creates dependency, hierarchy, and oppression.
• The Rich used laws and government to protect their wealth and maintain inequality.
• Civilization sees societies as corrupt and oppressive.
• Slavery and Despotism sees inequality as leading to tyranny.
• Inequality and the Arts/Sciences see intellectual progress often leads to moral decline.

Rousseau's Critique of Hobbes

• Rousseau argues that peace occurred in the state of nature.
• General Will hints that society should reflect the collective good rather than the interests of the powerful.
• Rousseau's Influence inspired later revolutionary thought.

In Utopia

• Simplicity is a virtue on the Island of Utopia and he uses the concept of jewelry to illustrate this.
• Gold, the most prized metal all over the world, has no weight on Utopia.
• Gold is used shackle the ankles of prisoners to the floor.
• From a young age, children are given gold jewelry, so by the time they are older they see no value in it.
• Gold to them is like bronze or copper.

Eduard Bernstein Is A Revisionist Marxist

• Bernstein argues against Marx's prediction of the "immiseration of the proletariat."
• Workers in Europe and North America were becoming more prosperous instead.
• Aligning Marx's theory with the emerging economic realities, the capitalist system was evolving toward socialism through changes in .the socio-economic conditions influenced by trade unions and political parties.

Evolutionary Path to Socialism

• Socialism could not be achieved through violent revolution, but through gradual reforms and democratic processes.
• Socialists should focus on working within existing political systems to enact change.
• The approach harnesses the existing social and political structures to initiate socialism, arguing that substantive progress is made without resorting to revolution.

Egalitarian Society Versus Society Led By Philosopher Kings

• One key difference between Thomas More's Utopia and Plato's Republic is their approach to social hierarchy and governance.
• Plato envisions a rigidly structured society ruled by philosopher-kings, where individuals are assigned roles based on their inherent abilities, leading to a hierarchical class system.
• More's Utopia promotes a more egalitarian society.

The Critical Framework

• Book I sets up Utopia as a dialogue, where Raphael Hythloday critiques European society, highlighting issues like social inequality, corruption, and the harsh treatment of the poor.
• This establishes Utopia not just as an idealistic vision but as a satirical and thought-provoking response to real-world problems.

The Ambiguity of More's Perspective

• Book I introduces the character of Thomas More (the narrator), who remains skeptical of Hythloday's radical ideas.
• Utopia is not necessarily a blueprint for a perfect society but rather a challenge to the reader to reflect on the flaws of their own world and a straightforward endorsement of the utopian model rather than a complex satire.

Karl Marx Communist Manifesto

• Thomas More Utopia: egalitarian society, everyone equal, has same workday hours, moves from house to house, wears the same clothing, etc
• Communist Manifesto: communism (political ideology that advocates for the abolition of private property and aims for a classless society).
• The ideal society is the one thousand percent the one laid out by Thomas More.

Pre-More, Utopian Societies May Have Been Thought in Two Different Ways

• Likely thought of as structureless societies where all were free to wander and do whatever they please, with no laws or rules, and just everyone lived harmoniously.
• Be like how Plato viewed them in the republic, where there was a class system and Philosopher Kings were at the top, and depending on what you were born into that was your class.
• Thomas More's Utopia was different from both of these.

Thomas More Presents Several Key Critiques of European Society

• These key critiques of European society focus on capitalism, luxury, and power-hungry kings.
• The key critiques establish the foundation for the alternative vision presented in Book II.
  • Critique of Capitalism and Enclosure Laws
  • Condemnation of Luxury and Greed
  • Kings Who Seek Glory Over Just Rule

Sketches on the Utopian Government

• Utopia is a crescent-shaped island country, 500 miles long and 200 miles wide.
• The curve, large underwater rocks protect a harbor from attack. Utopia had once been connected to the mainland. In the crescent's curve, large underwater rocks protect a harbor from attack.
• Utopia consists of fifty-four cities, with the capital, Amaurot, in the center. Every year, each city sends three wise old men to Amaurot to discuss matters that affect Utopia
• Country-side groups called “families” occupy and work the farmland for two-year periods, producing enough food to sustain the entire country.

Caveman State of Nature

• "State of nature" refers to a hypothetical condition in political philosophy where humans exist without any formal government, society, or political structure, essentially describing how people might live before forming organized civilizations.
• Humans are fairly equal which leads to conflict.
• A state of nature can be related to a dystopia and a centralized form of government would be more utopian.

Rousseau's Discourse on Inequality and Social Contract

• Rousseau discusses the idea of humanity in the State of Nature and Society. Contrary to Hobbes Leviathan, Rousseau believes the State of Nature to be an idealistic place where people lived more harmoniously with one another.
• In the state of nature people lived more harmoniously with one another.
• Living simplistically was the way to go, and it was the way he envisioned a perfect society to exist.
• The rise of inequality and establishment of a hierarchical system within society led to an undesirable state for humanity.

Game of Thrones Analogy

• The boys split into factions, with Jack's tribe embracing violence and tyranny, while Ralph struggles to maintain order.
• Jack, who rules through fear and brute force, reflects Hobbes's argument that only a strong, centralized authority can keep human nature in check.

Links Between John Locke's Theory of the State of Nature and Robert Nozick's Explanation of the "Minimalist State"

• John Locke and Robert Nozick both advocate for limited government.
• Nozick builds upon Locke's ideas, particularly regarding natural rights and property, to justify his concept of the minimalist state.

Characteristics of Deaenerys and Jon Snow in the game of Thrones

• Reflects in Daenerys's journey. She initially seeks to free people from oppression, believing she alone represents justice—ironically becoming a tyrant.
• The Wildlings in Game of Thrones closely resemble Rousseau's State of Nature: they live without kings, reject hierarchy, and value personal freedom.
• Jon Snow in the later seasons, embodies Rousseau's ideal leader, which reflects Rousseau's challenge—how do you ensure the General Will is followed when those in power prioritize their own interests?

Thomas Nagel's Theory Of Utopia

• A truly utopian society would require a balance between individual well-being and the collective good.
• Achieved by the tension between the personal (individual desires and freedoms) and the impersonal (universal principles or objective measures of justice).
• The utopian society would have to ensure justice, equality, and the flourishing of individuals.

Short Essay Lessons

• Nozick: Utopia means individuals are free to pursue their own goals without interference from the state as long as they respect others rights.
• Nagel: the society is completely equal, but it is experiencing complete control by handicapping those who may be perceived as more valuable, where this is unjust because it violates individual rights and freedom.

The Link Between Justice and Utopia

• For Nozick, the "best" society or utopia is one where individuals are free to pursue their own goals, without interference from the state, as long as they respect others' rights.
• A minimalist state's sole role is to protect citizens from force, fraud, and theft —nothing more
• No enforced equality or redistribution.

Capitalism Concerns Political Rights

-Milton Friedman argues that capitalism is closely tied to individual freedom and political rights.

• economic freedom—the ability to make personal choices in the market-supports personal autonomy and protects against the concentration of power in the hands of the state.
• economic freedom is essential for maintaining all other freedoms, including political rights.

Karl Max and Edouard Bernstein's Theories on Socialism

• Marx: socialist state is revolutionary
• Edouard Bemstein: socialist state is gradual.
• Marx: supporter of an absolute dismantling of capitalism
• Bemstein: supporter of peaceful democratic reforms within the capitalist framework.

Can You Apply Lessons From Marx and Bernstein to Edward Bellamy's "Looking Backward"?

• Marx would appreciate Bellamy's critique of capitalism but find the peaceful transformation too idealistic, arguing that a revolutionary overthrow of capitalism is necessary.
• Bernstein would like Bellamy's gradual approach and democratic transformation , but might be concerned about the centralization of power.
• Friedman would critique Bellamy for centralizing control, arguing that it restricts individual freedom and economic liberty, leading to inefficiency and a lack of innovation.

William Godwin Advocates

• William Godwin advocates for anarchism based on the belief that individuals are capable of reason and can live harmoniously without government.
• Individuals are capable of reason and harmoniously.
• Godwin emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge as key to social progress.
• Criticizes the state, religion, inheritance.

You Might Be an Anarchist if You...

• Question authority and distrust power in all forms.
• Support direct action and reject hierarchical structures.
• Believe in mutual aid and collective decision-making.
• Think that people can govern themselves without coercive systems.
• Advocate for freedom and equality over control and domination.

Emma Goldman's Definition of Anarchism

• Advocates for individual freedom and the abolition of all forms of coercive authority, including the state, religion, and capitalism.
• Believes in a society based on mutual aid and voluntary cooperation.