What exactly is Anarchy?

Question

Here's the problem. Anarchy is defined in several different ways, and when discussing Anarchy, we come across this problem:

Is anarchy a place with no rules whatsoever, or is it where the people make the rules?

I'm constantly having friends bring up Anarchy in debates, but I have a problem with it. They say it's fair and even chances for everyone. This isn't true from what I'm getting from it. Those who have more physical power will be able to control and manipulate the weaker. What will end up happening is that the weaker will say they are on the side of the stronger, as to avoid becoming prey to the stronger. Then, when I explain this, people tell me that that isn't Anarchy. Then I argue, Anarchy is impossible.

What is Anarchy in your definition? How would it work instead of a government? Please use details and be specific.

Answer 1

you pretty much nailed it on the head. but guns make the little guy just as strong as the bigger guy.

Answer 2

Anarchism, in a nutshell, supports free association, opposes the state, and opposes hierarchy. (At the very least, anarchists oppose involuntary hierarchy; anarchists often try to create egalitarian alternatives to the semi-voluntary hierarchies too).

There are several different traditions which respect these values, and usually recognize each other as forms of anarchism. These traditions borrow ideas from classical liberalism, from early socialism, from each other, and sometimes from other sources.

People depend on each other. People tend to create their own voluntary social order, including free association, reciprocity, mutual aid, and, if necessary, mutual defense. Once people create this order, a state, or any other criminal gang, is in trouble. So the state, to preserve itself, must preempt voluntary social order.

Highleyman, "An introduction to anarchism:"

http://www.spunk.org/texts/intro/sp00155...

"An anarchist FAQ:"

http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/193... or

http://www.infoshop.org/faq/index.html (same text)

Many other anarchist works are also available at:

http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/Anarchist_Arc... and

http://www.infoshop.org/library/Main_Pag... (different works) and elsewhere