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To what extent are anarchists united in their reasons for opposing the state? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 3
To what extent are anarchists united in their reasons for opposing the state? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent are anarchists united in their reasons for opposing the state? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Introduction to Anarchist Opposition to the State
Answer
Anarchists widely oppose the state, viewing it primarily as an immoral and coercive entity that infringes on individual freedoms. This question invites an exploration into the extent of unity among anarchist thinkers in their various critiques of the state.
Step 2
Points of Agreement
Answer
Many anarchists, such as Emma Goldman, argue that the state embodies moral flaws and must be abolished due to its violent nature. They share the view that the state not only restricts individual liberty but also undermines human potential by perpetuating inequality and the division of society.
Kropotkin's perspective further supports this position, as he emphasizes the state as an obstacle to freedom and economic progress. These thinkers agree that the removal of the state is essential for enabling individuals to pursue freedom and fulfill their potential.
Step 3
Points of Disagreement
Answer
Despite the shared premise that the state is detrimental, there are notable disagreements among anarchists. For instance, while Goldman critiques the moral basis of the state, she does not endorse a specific alternative structure, whereas Bakunin emphasizes that a stateless society must be organized around voluntary associations.
Furthermore, some anarchists, like Stirner, offer a radically individualistic approach, suggesting that any form of collective organization, including unions, can become coercive, thus raising questions about the inherent structure of a stateless society. This highlights a fundamental tension regarding how society can function effectively without state structures.
Step 4
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while there exists a strong consensus among anarchists regarding the opposition to the state due to its coercive nature, disagreements emerge concerning the nature of a post-state society and the mechanisms for achieving societal organization. The pathways to conceptualizing a free society without the state's influence reflect a diverse array of anarchist thought.