'Anarchism is strong on moral principles but weak on political practice' Discuss

Read through the question slowly and carefully- underline key concepts/words that will need defining- A good answer should always first define and not simply assume the key title conceptsBefore you start take a moment to jot down your points, as well as thinkers you will use to support your argument Introduction - define the key title concepts and make it clear you understand what the question is asking you- so what is Anarchism? 'A broad-ranging philosophy that rejects all forms of coercion and most forms of authority, esp. state & government'. - however, you recognise that there are many strands to anarchist thought Strong on moral principles- faith in human nature, freedom as a primary goal, power/coercion - bad, e.g.s of pacifist anarchists e.g. Proudhon, Kropotkin and Tolstoy - but not all are pacifists and some are ultra-socialists and some are ultra-liberals- morals as subjective - difference between the thinking of Kropotkin and Max StirnerWeak on political practice- cannot participate in party politics- why- because they reject government/state - cannot participate in current representative democracy - Refer to the failure of Goldman, BakuninBUTWeak on moral principles - utopian view of human nature and institutions- deluded? NaiveStrong on political practice- direct action, participatory democracy -effective- not corrupt Ultimately anarchism is strong on moral principles but weak on political practice because how will anarchists get into power within our current representative system ?

AS
Answered by Anna S. Government and Politics tutor

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