Anarchy as order : the history and future of civic humanity

Bibliographic Information

Anarchy as order : the history and future of civic humanity

Mohammed A. Bamyeh

(World social change)

Rowman & Littlefield, 2010, c2009

  • : pbk

Available at  / 1 libraries

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Note

"First paperback edition 2010"--T.p. verso

Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-231) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

This original and impressively researched book explores the concept of anarchy-"unimposed order"-as the most humane and stable form of order in a chaotic world. Mohammed A. Bamyeh traces the historical foundations of anarchy and convincingly presents it as an alternative to both tyranny and democracy. He shows how anarchy is the best manifestation of civic order, of a healthy civil society, and of humanity's noblest attributes. The author contends that humanity thrives on self-regulation rather than imposed order, that large systems are inherently more prone to tyranny than small systems, that power is the enemy of freedom, and that freedom and community are complementary rather than opposing values. He concludes that a more rational world is produced not by delegated representatives but by direct participation in common affairs. Bamyeh offers a concise philosophy of anarchy in the context of war, civil society, global order, experiences of freedom, solidarity, the evolution of modern states, and tax systems. He distinguishes anarchy from more familiar ways of thinking about the relationship between state and society that highlight the importance of power and control for social order. Further, he argues that the necessity for expert guidance or social collaboration in some areas of common public life does not require such areas to be run by a grand, overarching, or representative state. A cogent and compelling critique of the modern state, this provocative book clarifies how anarchy may be both a guide for rational social order and a science of humanity.

Table of Contents

Part I: The Idea Chapter 1: Anarchy as a Science of Humanity Chapter 2: What is Anarchy? Part II: Around the Idea Chapter 3: Civil Society and the State Chapter 4: Trust and the Politics of Alliance Chapter 5: Freedom and Commitment Chapter 6: Anarchy as a Destination

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Details

  • NCID
    BB03780778
  • ISBN
    • 9780742556744
  • LCCN
    2009000698
  • Country Code
    us
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Lanham
  • Pages/Volumes
    viii, 241 p.
  • Size
    23 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
  • Parent Bibliography ID
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