This thesis delves into the moral dimensions of political authority, particularly focusing on the absence of political obligation and state illegitimacy as proposed by Alan John Simmons, a...Show moreThis thesis delves into the moral dimensions of political authority, particularly focusing on the absence of political obligation and state illegitimacy as proposed by Alan John Simmons, a prominent advocate of philosophical anarchism. It inquires whether Simmons' philosophical anarchism implies political anarchism— involving a duty to oppose and undermine the state. The thesis critically examines Simmons' arguments and counterarguments against critics Joseph Wellman and Thomas Senor, who assert that Simmons' position results in justified disobedience and a moral duty to resist the state. By viewing the moral implications of state illegitimacy within Simmons' 'balance-of-reasons' approach, this thesis contends that Simmons fails to defend his framework against implying political anarchism. Additionally, it proposes the concept of an 'adaptive duty to oppose and undermine the state,' a nuanced approach in response to non-consensual state coercion that acknowledges moral concerns while striving for peaceful yet effective political reform.Show less
This paper will analyse how the Zapatista Movement can be understood and framed in terms of anarchist discourses. The Zapatistas have developed an alternative approach to the Western conception of...Show moreThis paper will analyse how the Zapatista Movement can be understood and framed in terms of anarchist discourses. The Zapatistas have developed an alternative approach to the Western conception of autonomy, self-organization, and development while sharing substantial characteristics with anarchist practices and praxis. Using Gordon’s framework and Critical Discourse Analysis when analysing three different primary sources published by the movement, it is possible to argue that the Zapatistas are trying to develop their own unique way in order to free themselves from the international and national systems that perpetuate oppression and exploitation. In a Western perspective, the Zapatistas could be called ‘leftists’ or even ‘anarchists’, as they provide an alternative that is most aligned with our way of comprehending, experiencing, and engaging with anarchism and radical political ideologies and theories. However, the movement does not establish itself as openly ‘anarchist’, but it is seeking to create a new way of organizing politics, economics, and society that is not aligned with the hegemonic neoliberal system. In the Zapatistas’ rhetoric we see a mix of different ideas, goals, and values that can be aligned both with participatory development practices, post-development or what we call ‘anarchism’, making the movement to be perceived almost as non-ideological or even anti-ideological.Show less
This study investigates interactions between Argentine and Spanish anarchist educationalists at the beginning of the 20th century. Drawing on the concepts of transnationalism and cultural transfer,...Show moreThis study investigates interactions between Argentine and Spanish anarchist educationalists at the beginning of the 20th century. Drawing on the concepts of transnationalism and cultural transfer, this paper demonstrates that Argentine rationalist educationalism was a transnational phenomenon. Iberian mediators brought the teachings of the Catalan pedagogue Francisco Ferrer to the Southern Cone through physical migration or anarchist media. In Argentina, local anarchists received his alternative educational ideas and adapted them to local socio-political conditions.Show less
This dissertation seeks to determine whether either anarchism or republicanism can realise the ideal of non-domination . Such work is of interest as adherents of these political ideologies, both...Show moreThis dissertation seeks to determine whether either anarchism or republicanism can realise the ideal of non-domination . Such work is of interest as adherents of these political ideologies, both increasingly prominent in recent years, have advanced their positions through the language of non-domination. It is argued that the republican approach to pursuing non-domination is, ultimately, unsuccessful. In contrast, it will be shown that anarchism, both in its ideals and its practices, is compatible with a plausible account of non-domination.Show less
