Anarcho-Bicyclist Conference Manchester April 2011

Wen Jian

It is difficult to write of anarchism as one unified body of political thought, because it isn't. Some anarchists believe, as do utilitarians such as Bentham, that the greater good transcends the impact on an individual. It is therefore acceptable to kill a prince or an industrialist if it benefits the masses. Bentham, in his wilder moments, justified the use of torture for this very reason.

Not all anarchists hold such views. Not all Untalitarians hold such views on torture.

Since anarchism at it's fundamental point is about reducing constraint upon and maximising the opportunity for the individual, the impact upon the individual is the only measure of an anarchist act. 'Greater good' is a commie invention.

Anyway, yes, I am aware that within the broad term, there are a plethora of theories.