Classical Anarchism vs. Classical Marxism

Attribute	Classical Anarchism	Classical Marxism
Founder	Mikhail Bakunin, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon	Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels
Belief in state	Opposes all forms of state	Believes in a transitional state
Means of achieving goals	Direct action, decentralization	Revolution, dictatorship of the proletariat
View on private property	Opposes private property	Believes in collective ownership of means of production
Role of the individual	Emphasizes individual freedom and autonomy	Emphasizes class struggle and collective action

Origins

Classical Anarchism and Classical Marxism are two distinct political ideologies that emerged in the 19th century in response to the social and economic conditions of the time. Anarchism originated from the works of thinkers such as Pierre-Joseph Proudhon and Mikhail Bakunin, who advocated for the abolition of all forms of hierarchical authority. Marxism, on the other hand, was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who focused on the critique of capitalism and the establishment of a classless society.

Views on the State

One of the key differences between Classical Anarchism and Classical Marxism lies in their views on the state. Anarchists believe that the state is inherently oppressive and should be abolished entirely. They argue that the state serves to uphold the interests of the ruling class and perpetuates inequality. In contrast, Marxists see the state as a tool of the ruling class but believe that it can be transformed to serve the interests of the working class. They advocate for a transitional state that will eventually wither away in a communist society.

Means of Achieving Social Change

Another important distinction between Classical Anarchism and Classical Marxism is their approaches to achieving social change. Anarchists reject the use of the state and political parties to bring about revolution, instead favoring direct action and grassroots organizing. They believe in the power of the people to create change from below without relying on centralized authority. Marxists, on the other hand, advocate for the use of the state and political parties as instruments of revolution. They argue that a vanguard party led by the proletariat is necessary to overthrow capitalism and establish socialism.

Views on Property

Classical Anarchism and Classical Marxism also differ in their views on property. Anarchists are opposed to all forms of private property, including personal possessions, and advocate for the collective ownership of resources and means of production. They believe that private property leads to exploitation and inequality. Marxists, on the other hand, distinguish between personal property and private property. They argue that while personal possessions should be protected, the means of production should be owned collectively by the working class to ensure equality and eliminate exploitation.

Role of the Individual

Both Classical Anarchism and Classical Marxism place a strong emphasis on the role of the individual in society, but they have different perspectives on how individuals should engage with the collective. Anarchists prioritize individual autonomy and freedom, believing that individuals should be able to make decisions for themselves without interference from external authorities. They emphasize the importance of voluntary cooperation and mutual aid in building a society based on solidarity. Marxists, on the other hand, stress the importance of collective action and class struggle. They argue that individuals should work together as a class to overthrow capitalism and build a socialist society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Classical Anarchism and Classical Marxism are two distinct political ideologies that share some common goals, such as the abolition of capitalism and the establishment of a more just and equitable society. However, they differ in their views on the state, means of achieving social change, property, and the role of the individual. Anarchists advocate for the abolition of the state and all forms of hierarchical authority, while Marxists believe in using the state as a tool for revolution. Anarchists emphasize direct action and grassroots organizing, while Marxists prioritize the use of political parties and the vanguard party. Despite these differences, both ideologies have played important roles in shaping the history of social movements and continue to influence political thought today.