Is it possible to have a lawless society where anything goes?

Question

Wouldn't it lead to chaos? And wars...?

Answer 1

1. Yes.  A lawless society is possible. i.e. Anarchy.  

This, however, depend on how narrow or broad your definition of "Law" is.  For example, do rules,mores, values, and taboos count.  Anarchy immediately breaks down the moment part of the society's wants and desires differ from the rest.

2. No.  While it would be chaotic, Chaos is by definition, the absence of order of any kind.  Just because there are no rules, this does not mean that patterns of interaction and behavior would not exist.  Especially if the Anarchic society emerged from a pre-existing, non-anarchic society.

3. No.  War by definition requires a declaration of war.  With out an authority figure or a legal system, there could be no declaration.  There would, however, be a heck of a lot of fighting.

Answer 2

Sure, but without laws the weak are preyed upon by the strong.  So there would be constant slavery, murder, rape, etc.

Basically rule by brutality.

Answer 3

It would be possible to have such a society, but would you want it? All society falls short of perfection because of greed. No matter how hard you try, how much effort you take to redistribute wealth, there will always be inequality. Out of this inequality comes want, and want leads to greed. We have been a material culture for millenia and that is a defining element of being human. No laws = no protection = survival. What you're talking about is reverting back to a state of nature, and that is the most brutal existance there is.

Answer 4

Yes, yes, and yes. Look at the situations in Darfur and Iraq. Also check out the book, "Lord of the Flies."

Answer 5

no it isn't possible.        ...

Answer 6

You should read "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" by Robert A. Heinlein.

His theory is that in a perfectly lawless society, that most people would tend to be courteous and well behaved, the consequenses of offensive or bad behavior being severe and not limited by law.

It is an interesting thought to ponder. If murder were legal, think of how polite people would be to each other. Once things settled down, with the bad apples purged, the survivors would be genuinely nice people.

Answer 7

Apparently you never read "Lord of the Flies."

Answer 8

im not sure

Answer 9

No, yes and yes.  The other answers are good.  We must begin with the idea that man is inherently sinful.

Answer 10

no--not possible