Anarchism

Anti-statism

Authority is oppressive to human life, it corrupts those who have it and those living under it

Rejection of liberal social contract because you are born into the authority of the state (or you get conquered)

Natural order

The state is both evil and unnecessary

Human beings are essentially rational and have a propensity to organize themselves in peace and harmony, but the corrupting influence of government creates greed and aggression

Anti-clericalism

Objects to organized religion/God as an authority

Like the state, religion limits autonomy by imposing a moral code

Anarchism is not inherently anti-religion - is compatible with Daoism or Zen Bhuddism due to emphasis on natural harmony

Economic freedom

Free economy where individuals manage their own financial affairs

Some anarchists aim to abolish the economy entirely, but all anarchists oppose managed capitalism and Soviet-style state socialism

Collectivist anarchism

Socialist collectivism pushed to anarchism, stresses capacity for solidarity and cooperation

Humans may not be naturally good, but when they are linked by recognition of common humanity there is no need to be controlled by a government

Disagrees with Marxist belief that a dictatorship of the proletariat could reform capitalism

Proposes self sufficient, self governing communities, no government oversight and no economic exploitation

Individualist anarchism

Liberal individualism pushed to anarchism, individuals are their own authority and any constraints on it are evil, especially from the government

Disagrees with liberal notions that state authority is necessary to prevent people from harming each other and that checks + balances can limit state authority