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Bakunin's Social Philosophy
by George Politis
106 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #06-0855; ISBN 1-4120-9099-7; US$18.20, C$20.93, EUR14.95, £10.47
Bakunin calls for demolition not because he is eager to exterminate what already exists, but because he does not want to hinder that which tries to be born.
About the Book
Anarchism is often connected to violence, political killings and covered faces that threat society under their flying black and red banners. During his turbulent life and after his death 130 years ago Bakunin has been called Apostle of Destruction and Satan of Revolt. As such he is in total agreement with the traditional view of anarchism. If anarchism is the theory of nihilism and blind violence, then Bakunin’s personality —as it has been cultivated by the establishment— is the most appropriate leader of that movement.
Contrary to the common belief, anarchism is anything else but that. No other theory has such tremendous faith in the capabilities of the human race. And if it has had only ill terminated attempts, the cause of these failures has to be traced in anarchism’s over-optimism and not in its hypothetical nihilism.
This book wants to demonstrate, that in direct analogy, the same happens with Bakunin. The arguments aim to overthrow three major critiques:
- The general blame, namely that Bakunin’s proposal is a violent and negative one.
- the conservative accusation, according to which anarchism is simply another version of Marxism.
- The Marxist notion, that Bakunin’s political theory has been rejected by history.
In doing so, it will show that Bakunin offers a truly alternative proposal. One that is unique, because it places respect of liberty on top of its value scale.
About the Author
Dr. George Politis was born in Athens on 17th October 1972. From 1991 to 1997 he studied journalism and philosophy in Greece and U.K. In 2001 he obtained his Ph.D. in Philosophy by the University of Athens. Since 1991 he has worked as a journalist in magazines, newspapers and TV stations in Greece. Since 1996 he has been a regular columnist in DRIVE magazine writing short stories.
In 2004 his first book (based on his dissertation), The Right of Civil Disobedience and John Locke’s Philosophy, was published in Greece ISBN 960-8320-34-8.
Dr. Politis currently teaches Social Philosophy and Ethics in the Philosophy Department of the University of Athens. His interests include literature and motor racing.
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