Inspired by a conversation with my brother, I would like to dedicate this discussion of anarchy to my brother. I jokingly asked my brother (an anarchist) if he voted in today's primary (Kerry has been projected to win easily, by the way (I didn't vote for him)), to which he responded that he thinks voting is immoral. Now, I understand his view: he views democracy- or any form of government- to be coercive, thus voting is an act of coercion, and he is morally opposed to coercion. But I just don't think we are capable of living in a government-free society, or that it is in our best interest.
Anarchy is a very optimistic and freedom embracing philosophy, I think. I just don't think it's very realistic as a means of social betterment. Many would view anarchy to be dangerous, but this view is based in a lack of confidence in humanity and a general feeling of inferiority of the human race. If we are absolutely free, free to do as we wish with no intervention from a governing body, we will not necessarily resort to barbaric behaviors. Consequences of actions, accountability, and responsibility are necessary regardless of an active government that enforces punishments- acting barbarically will not benefit us and will not be conducive to our survival. So, I don't think it is fair to attribute anarchy to being negatively chaotic.
That being said, I don't think government can be dismantled. As stated by Aristotle, man is social by nature and is a political animal. Human nature includes a desire to form alliances and societies are created by this natural inclination. According to Hobbes and Locke, human nature is defined by the state of nature. In Hobbes' philosophy, we are essentially equal and the same in the state of nature, which results in a constant state of war. Locke's view is that, in the state of nature, we have perfect freedom, within the bounds of the law of nature. Now, clearly it could be argued whether there truly exists a "natural law" and even the issue of human nature requiring politics could be debated. So it could be argued that anarchy isn't impossible, but I do think it is implausible.
We have politics because we are divided, we are not perfect, and we have a variety of outlooks and interests. If there are no laws governing our actions, there is no guarantee of our rights. With anarchy, we have true freedom, but must be in a constant state of defense against others. Government exists to defend our rights (or, at least, that is why government should exist). Since we are social by nature, since we have differing views and interests, and since the alternative to government is a state of constant fear, government makes sense.
Leaving anarchy aside, as I don't think it is a likely system, the way to avoid coercion by the government is to ensure the system is limited. In Locke's philosophy, and the basis for our democratic ideals, government is limited by consent. The laws made must be made with the consent of society and by authority received from them. Government is also limited by the purposes it is created for and therefore must act in accordance with those purposes. Political philosophers have worked for centuries to determine the best form of government and the best ways of implementing politics. Anarchy is the equivalent of true freedom, and I am all for freedom, but I think we need government to have security.
Well, and also there will probably always be at least a couple people who decide to violate others' rights, and a justice system with objective laws set up in advance is the fairest way to deal with that.
posted by: Gonzosc1 (reply)
post date: 02.11.04 (7:45 pm)
Agreed,,, with you and your brother.
I can only think of one point to bring up. it came about in my earlier days when I was a hellraiser.
I was asked about being anarchist-like or anti-goverment.
after thinking about it, I wasn't anti-goverment, I was anti this goverment. I think a lot of people lean this way when they think about the whole picture. both sides I think would be happy to agree with some form from goverment but what we have now is a "cluster ****"...
"Tragically, a nation that was created by intellectuals and visionaries has now been completely taken over by venal corporate gangsters, delusional Christian fruitcakes and hopelessly shallow Texas shit-kickers." -Tom Robbins
