Anarchism is a part of ##FOSS governance, a political philosophy and social movement that shaped the foundations of the internet and ##openweb to move from centralized power to decentralized, self-governing paths. This was a strong part of ##web01 and a strong part of why it worked so well. ##Anarchists believe that society and technology can be organized to build freedom, equality, and cooperation
What is Anarchism?
There are forms of anarchism, some well-known:
- Anarcho-Communism: Advocates for the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless, stateless society based on communal ownership and cooperation.
- Anarcho-Syndicalism: Seeks to abolish the wage system and replace it with a system of workers’ self-management and direct democracy.
- Individualist Anarchism: Emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and autonomy, and is associated with the writings of figures like Emma Goldman and Max Stirner.
A long and varied history, with roots in liberalism and socialism.
Anarchism in Action
History of Anarchism
Some old dead figures and movements include:
- The French Revolution: Inspired many early anarchists with ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- Pierre-Joseph Proudhon: The first self-proclaimed anarchist, wrote the influential work What is Property? in 1840.
- Mikhail Bakunin: A Russian revolutionary, was a key figure in the anarchist movement of the late 19th century.
- Emma Goldman: An American feminist, anarchist, was a prominent in the early 20th century.
Arguments for Anarchism
Supporters of anarchism emphasize:
Arguments Against Anarchism
Critics of anarchism raise concerns:
Anarchism is at the heart of meany of our ##openweb norms, its advantages and disadvantages depend strongly on assumptions and material conditions in the time and place where people try and enact it. The ##openweb and ##Fediverse with its strong flow of “trust” and “abundances” is a fertile place for “nativist” experiments. Though, as critics, argue this path is not easy or without its problems.
The ##OMN is mediated “native” https://opencollective.com/open-media-network join us if you would like to try walking this path.
Anarchism challenges forms of authority and domination. The idea, rooted in classical liberalism and Enlightenment principles, is any exercise of authority or power must justify its legitimacy. This burden of proof applies universally, whether within a family, a state, or global institutions. If authority cannot demonstrate its legitimacy, it should be dismantled.
The concept of legitimate authority is central to anarchism. Those in power must justify their actions and their right to hold power. If they cannot, their authority is considered illegitimate.
In democratic systems, legitimacy is supposed to be maintained through public debate, interaction, and struggle. If these mechanisms fail, the legitimacy is in question. In totalitarian or authoritarian systems, legitimacy is non-existent because these systems do not allow challenges to authority. People in positions of authority internalize the belief that their power is legitimate. This internalization makes it difficult for them to recognize or acknowledge the need to justify authority.
Throughout history, systems of authority and domination have been accepted as legitimate by those who are subordinated. This acceptance is due to a combination of indoctrination, socialization, and the internalization of prevailing values.
- Slavery: Many slave societies were stable because slaves accepted their subordination as legitimate.
- Feudalism: In feudal societies, people accepted their roles within the hierarchy as natural and proper.
- Modern Employment: Today, many people accept the necessity of renting their labour to survive, a concept that was once seen as wage slavery.
People challenging the legitimacy of authority leads to social struggles, revolutions, and sometimes significant change. Anarchists take this challenge seriously and push questioning the illegitimacy of authority through active resistance and the promotion of ##DIY self-governing structures. This path and philosophy has profound implications for how we build and work in technology and shapes our current ##openweb reboot.
More on this https://hamishcampbell.com/understanding-anarchism/
https://hamishcampbell.com/the-fediverse-is-native-to-anarchism/
#Anarchists #diy #fediverse #FOSS #KISS #OMN #openweb #Web01