Georgii Valentinovich Plekhanov

Anarchism and Socialism (eBook, ePUB)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

The general conception of anarchism that a beginner often gets is that it is something extremely advanced. It is often expressed somewhat as follows: "After capitalism comes socialism and then comes anarchism." Plechanoff very ably explodes such notions.
Within the pages of this work the author shows not only the reactionary character of anarchism, but he exposes its class bias and its empty philosophic idealism and utopian program. He shows anarchism to be just the opposite of scientific socialism or communism. It aims at a society dominated by individualism, which is simply a capitalist ideal. Such ideals as "liberty," "equality," "fraternity," first sprang from the ranks of the petty property owners of early capitalism, as Plechanoff shows. He also points out that while Proudhon is usually credited with being "the father of anarchism" that actually Max Stirner comes closer to being its "father." Stirner's "League of Egoists," he says, "is only the utopia of a petty bourgeois in revolt. In this sense one may say he has spoken the last word of bourgeois individualism."

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Georgii Valentinovich Plekhanov
• Erscheinungstermin: 26. November 2015
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9788892522244
• Artikelnr.: 44187117

Autorenporträt

Georgii Valentinovich Plekhanov (1856-1918) stands as a foundational figure in the history of Russian Marxism. A philosopher, theorist, and revolutionary, Plekhanov's contributions to Marxist thought have significantly shaped the contours of Marxist philosophy, particularly within the context of the Russian revolutionary movement. Plekhanov's extensive study of historical materialism and his rigorous critique of other social theories, like anarchism, have cemented him as a major intellectual force. Notably, in his work 'Anarchism and Socialism', Plekhanov delineates the fundamental differences between Marxism and anarchism, advocating for a structured, proletarian-led revolution as opposed to the more spontaneous approach favored by anarchist thinkers. Plekhanov's intellectual rigor and dedication to the revolutionary cause have been widely recognized by scholars of Marxism and Russian history. Despite being overshadowed by later figures such as Lenin, Plekhanov's works remain a crucial reference for understanding the development of socialist theory and the ideological debates that have shaped it. His literary style combines an astute analytical acumen with a persuasive narrative, aimed at not only critiquing competing theories but also at providing a coherent Marxist alternative. Plekhanov's work remains significant in the study of political ideologies, philosophy, and Russian history.