Anarchism and Authority: A Philosophical Introduction to Classical Anarchism (Ashgate New Critical Thinking in Philosophy)

Examining the political theory of anarchism from a philosophical and historical perspective, Paul McLaughlin relates anarchism to the fundamental ethical and political problem of authority. The book pays particular attention to the authority of the state and the anarchist rejection of all traditional claims made for the legitimacy of state authority, the author both explaining and defending the central tenets of the anarchist critique of the state. The founding works of anarchist thought, by Godwin, Proudhon and Stirner, are explored and anarchism is examined in its historical context, including the influence of such events as the Enlightenment and the French Revolution on anarchist thought. Finally, the major theoretical developments of anarchism from the late-nineteenth century to the present are summarized and evaluated. This book is both a highly readable account of the development of anarchist thinking and a lucid and well-reasoned defence of the anarchist philosophy.

Examining the political theory of anarchism from a philosophical and historical perspective, Paul McLaughlin relates anarchism to the fundamental ethical and political problem of authority. The book pays particular attention to the authority of the state and the anarchist rejection of all traditional claims made for the legitimacy of state authority, the author both explaining and defending the central tenets of the anarchist critique of the state.

The founding works of anarchist thought, by Godwin, Proudhon and Stirner, are explored and anarchism is examined in its historical context, including the influence of such events as the Enlightenment and the French Revolution on anarchist thought. Finally, the major theoretical developments of anarchism from the late-nineteenth century to the present are summarized and evaluated.

This book is both a highly readable account of the development of anarchist thinking and a lucid and well-reasoned defence of the anarchist philosophy.

Content: Introduction: a philosophical approach to anarchism -- Anarchism and the problem of authority -- Defining anarchism -- The nature of authority -- Forms of authority -- The legitimacy of the state -- Anarchism and the history of ideas -- The historical foundations of anarchism -- Foundational texts of anarchism -- Theoretical developments of anarchism -- Conclusion: the problem of authority in social context -- Select bibliography. Anarchism And The Problem Of Authority -- Defining Anarchism -- The Nature Of Authority -- Forms Of Authority -- The Legitimacy Of The State -- Anarchism And The History Of Ideas -- The Historical Foundations Of Anarchism -- Foundational Texts Of Anarchism -- Theoretical Developments Of Anarchism. Paul Mclaughlin. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [185]-196) And Index.