Political Philosophy: A Critical Analysis of Emma Goldman's Anarchism

This essay critically analyzes Emma Goldman's case for anarchism, examining her role in developing this political philosophy in the early 20th century. While Goldman's radical views on politics, economics, and culture gained her a strong following, the essay argues that her description of anarchism is often vague and contradictory. It highlights her perspective on the Haymarket Massacre and her belief in minimizing violence through constructive efforts. The essay questions the practical application of Goldman's ideology in addressing issues such as free speech, criminal justice, and civil rights, ultimately concluding that her theory, while thought-provoking, remains unconvincing and lacks concrete solutions for societal problems.

Running head: PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1PHILOSOPHY
The essay focuses on political philosophy and tries to analyze whether Emma Goldman
makes a convincing case of anarchism. Emma Goldman has been an anarchist, writer and
political activist who had a vital role in developing the political philosophy of anarchy in Europe
and North America during the beginning of the 20th century.
Emma Goldman established strong followers amongst the anarchists, leftist and socialists
of varied tendencies1. The radical thought process on imperialism, politics, economics, culture
and imperialism led to the formation of the 19th and the 20th century America. Goldman has been
an unique leftist who had progressive views and often criticized leftist. Emma Goldman put
forward a logical and consistent political philosophy that provided her with a lens for viewing
inequalities and injustice.
Anarchism refers to a political philosophy that considers the state as undesirable, harmful
and unnecessary2. Therefore, anarchism ensures the promotion of stateless society that opposes
authority in conducting human relations. Emma Goldman has been too vague in her description
regarding anarchy and put forward contradictory beliefs. This is so because on one hand she
speaks of a highly industrialized state while at the same time speaks about a painstaking work
schedule.
The elongated hours combine with dangerous and unhygienic conditions made the work
environment extremely stressful. Death and injuries were common under such conditions that
made a perfect sense for the workers in demanding better work conditions. In this context, Emma
Goldman mentions in her speech about the Massacre that took place in Haymarket that she
1 Knowles R, Political Economy From Below: Economic Thought In Communitarian Anarchism (Routledge 2013).
2 Avrich P, The Modern School Movement: Anarchism And Education In The United States (Princeton University
Press 2014).

2PHILOSOPHY
mentions as “greatest event of her life that’s made her what she is”. The Haymarket Massacre
started as a rally of the striking workers who advocated for eight-hour work schedule. A bomb
explosion at the rally resulted in the death of a group of anarchist. To which Emma Goldman
said as, “Judicially murdered by the state of Illinois”3. She presented a speech where she
acknowledged her realization that most people of her time had the misconception about
anarchism due to the biased opinions published by the media. Emma Goldman however believed
“the function of anarchism in a revolutionary period was to minimize the violence of the
revolution and replace it by the constructive efforts.”4 Emma Goldman also felt the government
ensured too much of inputs on how the people manage and live their lives. Therefore, the greater
opportunities and freedom will lead to the better creation of the society and the individuals.
However, the concept of anarchism though widens her view but leads to the distortion of her
vision. Emma Goldman’s theory on anarchism seems better theoretically than finding an
application in laying the foundation of a better and newer society. There however lays a
confusion regarding the fact that although Emma Goldman describes anarchism but she fails to
describe how the ideology will be effective in solving the issues related to free speech, criminal
justice, civil rights and immigrants.
Thus, although Emma Goldman tried to establish her theory of anarchism but it remained
unconvincing and vague.
3 Fernandez F, Cuban Anarchism: The History Of A Movement (Sharp Press 2014).
4 Carter A, The Political Theory Of Anarchism Routledge Library Editions: Political Science (Routledge 2013).

3PHILOSOPHY
References:
Avrich P, The Modern School Movement: Anarchism And Education In The United
States(Princeton University Press 2014)
Carter A, The Political Theory Of Anarchism Routledge Library Editions: Political
Science (Routledge 2013)
Fernandez F, Cuban Anarchism: The History Of A Movement (Sharp Press 2014)
Knowles R, Political Economy From Below: Economic Thought In Communitarian Anarchism
(Routledge 2013)