a political theory favoring the abolition of governments
an ideology that argues a society can be run without rules or a government and that the abolition of these things will lead to freedom, equality and justice
The idea that peaceful social cooperation can continue to exist without the institution of government, the social apparatus of coercion and compulsion. FC. 36-37; HA. 149; OG. 48; UF. 98-99
General term designating all political systems which do not include a formal authority. Liked by people who cherish a fictional state of nature. Tyranny of the strongest.
A political theory holding all forms of governmental authority to be unnecessary and undesirable and advocating a society based on voluntary cooperation and free association of individuals and groups (Websters).
the doctrinal abhorrence of coercion, usually including advocacy of the abolition of the state violent opposition to established authorities, especially those considered oppressive
An ideology adopted by various revolutionary groups operating in Europe and North America from the latter half of the nineteenth century until the first two decades of the twentieth century. It promoted the overthrow of tyranny. Anarchists primarily targeted heads of state and senior government officials for assassination.
Anarchism is a political philosophy or group of doctrines and attitudes centered on rejection of any form of compulsory government (cf. "state"Some differentiate government from state: "A distinction that is relevant to the anarchist ideal is the difference between the government, referring to the state, and government, referring to the administration of a political system. Anarchists, like everyone, tend to use the word government as a synonym for state, but what is rejected by anarchism's a priori opposition to the state is not the concept of government as such but the idea of a sovereign order that claims and demands obedience, and if necessary, the lives of its subjects. Anarchism rejects the form of imposed, centralized authority enshrined and made material in the state." -Sheehan, Sean.
