ABSTRACT

Anarchism as a theoretical or praxis-oriented approach to social issues often suffers two major, and at times oppositional, critiques. On the one hand, it is said that anarchism is too idealistic, that it presumes a goodness of human nature that is not empirically tenable in light of human history and current events. On the other hand, it is also argued that anarchism is too grounded in a lifestyle-oriented ethic that is neither positive nor productive. In each case, anarchism is depicted as lacking a necessary component for positive change, and yet we might develop a working vision of anarchism that is at once both utopian and pragmatic by focusing on the inherent connections between vision and action. By looking at various anarchistic examples of utopianism in practice, we can see how this holds great promise for communities and movements by locating their actions historically while at the same time casting their nets of visionary thought into the future. In this sense, anarchism has much to offer utopianism, and utopianism is sorely needed in the contemporary philosophy and practice of anarchism.