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To what extent is an anarchist society a realistic goal? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider both sides in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 3
To what extent is an anarchist society a realistic goal? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider both sides in a bala... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent is an anarchist society a realistic goal? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider both sides in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Agreement: Anarchism and Positive Human Nature
Answer
Anarchism is fundamentally based on a positive view of human nature, which suggests that individuals can coexist peacefully and cooperatively without the need for formal governance. Thinkers such as Peter Kropotkin argue that humans possess an inherent capacity for mutual aid and collaboration. Historical examples, like the workers' councils formed during the Russian Revolution, illustrate how a society can organize itself without hierarchical structures.
Step 2
Agreement: Successful Examples of Anarchist Principles
Answer
The effectiveness of anarchist principles can be observed in instances such as the anarchist communities in Spain during the Spanish Civil War. These communities successfully implemented socialist practices that promoted equality and cooperation. The Swiss cantons, which operated with minimal centralized control, also provide a case study that reflects the viability of decentralized governance rooted in anarchist principles.
Step 3
Disagreement: Optimistic View of Human Nature
Answer
Conversely, critics assert that anarchism may rely too heavily on an optimistic view of human nature, suggesting that individuals are fundamentally self-interested. Modern societies often require a structured governance system to maintain order and address conflicts. Thinkers like Thomas Hobbes underscored that without a strong authority, chaos could ensue as individuals pursue their own interests at the expense of others.
Step 4
Disagreement: Challenges of Collective Anarchism
Answer
Moreover, the challenge lies in the collective implementation of anarchism. The absence of a governing authority raises concerns regarding the enforcement of communal decisions and conflict resolution. Examples of failed anarchist societies, such as the Free Territory in Ukraine, highlight the difficulties in achieving a stable anarchist existence when faced with external pressures and internal divisions.
Step 5
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while anarchist society presents appealing ideals rooted in cooperation and mutual aid, its realization as a lasting and stable model faces significant challenges. The success of such a society relies heavily on the nature of human interactions and the ability to maintain order without centralized authority. Therefore, one can argue that while aspects of anarchism can be practiced effectively in micro-communities, a wholly anarchist society remains an unrealistic goal in the contemporary context.