Anarchism

Catalog description

Anarchism introduces students to an idea, a tradition in the history of political thought, a program of political action, and an orientation to being in the world. Questions we will pursue in this class include, but are not limited to; how has anarchism shaped the field of political science despite its constant denigration? What can the history of anarchist thought teach us about the future of radical politics, the state, power, and violence? What is the nature of the relationship between anarchism and democracy? Where do we find anarchism? Why, despite constant overtures to the human desire for freedom do we find so many willfully submit to domination? Readings from multiple disciplines and time periods will be drawn upon. Authors engaged with may include the likes of Plato, Thomas Hobbes, Peter Kropotkin, Mikhail Bakunin, Karl Marx, Max Stirner, Walter Benjamin, and Michel Foucault, amongst others.