Anarchism: An Art of Living Without Law

by Elena Loizidou

Overview

In contrast to the extensive contemporary literature about anarchist politics and ideas, this book focuses on the practices and attitudes that constitute what the author refers to as an anarchist 'art of life'.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032326092
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/27/2024
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Elena Loizidou is Reader in Law and Political Theory at the School of Law, Birkbeck, University of London.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Without law? 3. Disentangling the psyche: from disobedience to parrhesia 4. Anarchism and love 5. Humour and the uncommon of laughter 6. Mutual aid instead of conclusion

Editorial Reviews

"'In a word, we reject all legislation […]. It is in this sense that we are really Anarchists', writes Mikhail Bakunin, suggesting that any discussion about the (in)compatibility between law and anarchism is a challenging one. Elena Loizidou’s book not only takes on this challenge but it does so magnificently. Loizidou, drawing from classical anarchist tradition (Goldman, Kropotkin), contemporary post-anarchist and anarcha-feminist tendencies (Newman and Bottici), and continental philosophy (Foucault), recognises the importance but also the limits of critical legal scholarship of the last 30 years and she develops a thought-provoking account of living a life without the hierarchical restraints of the law but rather by embracing an ethos based on love and mutual aid. The book is a must-have for (legal) scholars who want to think beyond the law but also for groups and individuals who want to (re)think about the ways we relate to the law, the state and how we can relate to each other without the oppressive yoke of the law." Christos Marneros, University of Lincoln, UK

"Going beyond the standard cliches and stereotypes, Elena Loizidou defines a positive vision for anarchism as a form of life, a creative and loving force. Drawing on the lives of anarchists, Loizidou shows how they have used humour, love and truth telling as subversive strategy for undermining authority and living without government. This is a wonderful and original book, revealing anarchism as more than a political philosophy but as a wholly new way of living in the world and of relating to ourselves and others." Saul Newman, Goldsmiths University of London

From the Publisher