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Single Idea 20487

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 2. Anarchism ]

Full Idea

As the anarchist picture of society becomes increasingly realistic and less utopian, it also becomes increasingly difficult to tell it apart from a liberal democratic state.

Gist of Idea

A realistic and less utopian anarchism looks increasingly like liberal democracy

Source

Jonathan Wolff (An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) [2006], 1 'Anarchism')

Book Ref

Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.31

A Reaction

Nice challenge to anarchism, which is clear in what it opposes, but isn't much of a political philosophy if it doesn't have positive aspirations. Anarchists may hope that people will beautifully co-operate, but what if they re-form the state to do it?

The 32 ideas from Jonathan Wolff

20487 A realistic and less utopian anarchism looks increasingly like liberal democracy [Wolff,J]
20488 It is hard for anarchists to deny that we need experts [Wolff,J]
20489 Human beings can never really flourish in a long-term state of nature [Wolff,J]
20483 Collective rationality is individuals doing their best, assuming others all do the same [Wolff,J]
20492 Following some laws is not a moral matter; trivial traffic rules, for example [Wolff,J]
20490 For utilitarians, consent to the state is irrelevant, if it produces more happiness [Wolff,J]
20493 Social contract theory has the attracton of including everyone, and being voluntary [Wolff,J]
20494 Maybe voting in elections is a grant of legitimacy to the winners [Wolff,J]
20510 A system of democracy which includes both freedom and equality is almost impossible [Wolff,J]
20511 Democracy expresses equal respect (which explains why criminals forfeit the vote) [Wolff,J]
20502 Democracy has been seen as consistent with many types of inequality [Wolff,J]
20496 A true democracy could not tolerate slavery, exploitation or colonialism [Wolff,J]
20497 How can dictators advance the interests of the people, if they don't consult them about interests? [Wolff,J]
20503 Political equality is not much use without social equality [Wolff,J]
20509 Occasional defeat is acceptable, but a minority that is continually defeated is a problem [Wolff,J]
20506 'Separation of powers' allows legislative, executive and judicial functions to monitor one another [Wolff,J]
20500 We can see the 'general will' as what is in the general interest [Wolff,J]
20498 We should decide whether voting is for self-interests, or for the common good [Wolff,J]
20499 Condorcet proved that sensible voting leads to an emphatically right answer [Wolff,J]
20513 If natural rights are axiomatic, there is then no way we can defend them [Wolff,J]
20512 Standard rights: life, free speech, assembly, movement, vote, stand (plus shelter, food, health?) [Wolff,J]
20514 If rights are natural, rather than inferred, how do we know which rights we have? [Wolff,J]
20518 Liberty principles can't justify laws against duelling, incest between siblings and euthanasia [Wolff,J]
20526 Utilitarians argue for equal distribution because of diminishing utility of repetition [Wolff,J]
20528 Difference Principle: all inequalities should be in favour of the disadvantaged [Wolff,J]
20529 Utilitarianism probably implies a free market plus welfare [Wolff,J]
20530 Political choice can be by utility, or maximin, or maximax [Wolff,J]
20524 Market prices indicate shortages and gluts, and where the profits are to be made [Wolff,J]
20522 Utilitarians might say property ownership encourages the best use of the land [Wolff,J]
20531 Either Difference allows unequal liberty, or Liberty makes implementing Difference impossible [Wolff,J]
20534 Rights and justice are only the last resorts of a society, something to fall back on [Wolff,J]
20532 Should love be the first virtue of a society, as it is of the family? [Wolff,J]