Bakunin on state

Mikhail Bakunin, a Russian Philosopher, is considered one of the leading

philosophers in the school of anarchism.
The ultimate purpose of Anarchism is to bring about equality in society just like
in Marxism. But both of these differ from each other.

Meaning of Anarchism:
Anarchism is associated with negative connotations like chaotic situations,
crowds out of control, and intent on violence but in reality, theoretically,
anarchism refers to a sense of social order and justice, which is not attained in
the existing structures of the state.

Anarchism is derived from the Greek word “ANARKHOS” meaning a

condition without a ruler/leader.

The anarchists were in complete disagreement with liberal thinkers or

philosophers who supported the establishment of the state in order to resolve the
conditions of injustice and oppression.

In fact, anarchists believed that the state prevents people’s freedom rather than
enabling it and the state perpetuates inequality and extends the chain of
servitude.

Anarchists are anti-state and they are supporters of the idea of individual
responsibility.
In fact, at the core of anarchism lies the principle or the idea of direct
democratic participation. Further, just like the idea of Marxism, central to
anarchism lies the ideology of privileging individual freedom.

The underlying assumption is that the gap between individual desires and the
best interest of one’s class is not insurmountable and very much achievable.

Anarchism rejects all forms of state and believes people would have greater
liberty and more control over their lives without the structure of the state.

JJ Rousseau and William Godwin, both of them have talked about the negative
power of the state.

Further, Bakunin talks about infinite freedom. He believed in the possibility of a

communal-based society. In fact, for Bakunin, the goal was to achieve the
boundless freedom of individuals. It was the goal in the face of authoritarian
authorities and legal apparatus.
Further, Bakunin starts with the idea that man is born free and he is even free
from God as he cannot exist because of the natural freedom of man.
If God had existed then men would be born as slaves and that is why it would
be necessary to get rid of them.

Bakunin was an ardent supporter of reason and he is an abdication of man’s

responsibility. It is the human will which separates human beings from other
animals.