- 16 Mar 2009 12:51
#1835315
By HoniSoit
5 ) How does anarchism deal with crimes?
On the one hand, anarchism attempts to eliminate the social conditions which lead to crimes. Anarchists argue that a large proportion of all crimes in class societies are the result of poverty, inequality, discrimination, social exclusion and other forms of oppression and domination. Therefore, anarchists seek to eliminate these underlying conditions of crime and thereby reduce them. On the other hand, apparently not all crimes will be eliminated overnight, if ever. Hence there might be a need for police force and court. However, it is not to say that these institutions will be maintained in their current forms. Instead, they should be (re)organised like all other anarchist institutions, that is, non-hierarchical, democratic and accountable to the communities.
Further Reading:
http://www.infoshop.org/faq/secI5.html#seci58
6 ) Does anarchism require good human nature?
Anarchism is not predicated on a good or positive human nature. A common criticism is that human nature such as greed and selfishness ensures anarchism will not work. Beside the fact the concept of human nature is little understood, one cannot deny the fact that we have also equally witnessed love and compassion in our everyday life which is often vital for the wellbeing of the individuals and community. Anarchists argue that it is the social, economic and political conditions that to a great extent shape how we behave, and whether one human trait will manifest itself rather than another. Therefore, anarchists desire to create institutional structures that will encourage positive human behaviour while limit the conditions for the manifestation of others.
Further Reading:
http://www.infoshop.org/faq/secA2.html#seca215
7 ) How does anarchism defend itself from outside forces?
It is a difficult question and depends to a large extent the circumstance. In principles, anarchists would favour people’s militias appealing to people’s collective interests in defending their communities rather than professional military based on hierarchical and authoritarian discipline. However, it is not inconceivable that a professional military is needed. Therefore, it is important to develop an international movement that would minimise the possibility and success of outside intervention.
8 ) What would an anarchist society look like?
It may be misleading to talk about an ‘anarchist society’. For many, anarchism is not so much a fixed social and political system as a set of guiding principles in building a fair and just society. Therefore, it is not desirable, or possible to devise any blue print to be followed dogmatically. However, this does not necessarily exclude speculation on how a society might be organised according to anarchist principles so that people could continually refine and adapt them. Some economic and political models have been developed which are in tune with anarchist principles such as Participatory Economy and Participatory Polity. These models emphasis democratic participation in both the political and economic spheres that go beyond voting and favour discussion and consultation, i.e. participation in the deliberative process of decision-making.
5 ) How does anarchism deal with crimes?
On the one hand, anarchism attempts to eliminate the social conditions which lead to crimes. Anarchists argue that a large proportion of all crimes in class societies are the result of poverty, inequality, discrimination, social exclusion and other forms of oppression and domination. Therefore, anarchists seek to eliminate these underlying conditions of crime and thereby reduce them. On the other hand, apparently not all crimes will be eliminated overnight, if ever. Hence there might be a need for police force and court. However, it is not to say that these institutions will be maintained in their current forms. Instead, they should be (re)organised like all other anarchist institutions, that is, non-hierarchical, democratic and accountable to the communities.
Further Reading:
http://www.infoshop.org/faq/secI5.html#seci58
6 ) Does anarchism require good human nature?
Anarchism is not predicated on a good or positive human nature. A common criticism is that human nature such as greed and selfishness ensures anarchism will not work. Beside the fact the concept of human nature is little understood, one cannot deny the fact that we have also equally witnessed love and compassion in our everyday life which is often vital for the wellbeing of the individuals and community. Anarchists argue that it is the social, economic and political conditions that to a great extent shape how we behave, and whether one human trait will manifest itself rather than another. Therefore, anarchists desire to create institutional structures that will encourage positive human behaviour while limit the conditions for the manifestation of others.
Further Reading:
http://www.infoshop.org/faq/secA2.html#seca215
7 ) How does anarchism defend itself from outside forces?
It is a difficult question and depends to a large extent the circumstance. In principles, anarchists would favour people’s militias appealing to people’s collective interests in defending their communities rather than professional military based on hierarchical and authoritarian discipline. However, it is not inconceivable that a professional military is needed. Therefore, it is important to develop an international movement that would minimise the possibility and success of outside intervention.
8 ) What would an anarchist society look like?
It may be misleading to talk about an ‘anarchist society’. For many, anarchism is not so much a fixed social and political system as a set of guiding principles in building a fair and just society. Therefore, it is not desirable, or possible to devise any blue print to be followed dogmatically. However, this does not necessarily exclude speculation on how a society might be organised according to anarchist principles so that people could continually refine and adapt them. Some economic and political models have been developed which are in tune with anarchist principles such as Participatory Economy and Participatory Polity. These models emphasis democratic participation in both the political and economic spheres that go beyond voting and favour discussion and consultation, i.e. participation in the deliberative process of decision-making.
- By wat0n
- By Potemkin