ILLEGALISM Meaning and
Definition
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Illegalism is a philosophical and political doctrine that advocates for the abolition of all laws and the rejection of any form of governing authority. It is an extreme form of anarchism that promotes the idea that all laws are inherently oppressive and that individuals should have the freedom to act according to their own desires and interests, without regard for legal constraints.
The concept of illegalism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the perceived injustices and inequalities perpetuated by established systems of law and government. Illegalists argue that laws are created and enforced by the ruling class to maintain their privileged position, and thus, individual autonomy can only be achieved by disregarding and opposing all forms of legislation.
Illegalists reject the notion of property rights, considering them to be a product of the oppressive capitalist system. They advocate for direct action, which can include theft, sabotage, and any other act that challenges authority and disrupts the prevailing social order. The goal of illegalism is to bring about a society based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid, where people can live freely and pursue their own ends without the interference of laws or governments.
It is important to note that while illegalism advocates for the rejection of legal systems, it does not necessarily condone violence or harm towards individuals. Rather, it seeks to challenge and expose the structural violence embedded within legal frameworks and the broader social and economic systems they support.
Etymology of ILLEGALISM
The word "illegalism" derives from the combination of the prefix "illeg-" (from Latin "illegālis", meaning unlawful) and the suffix "-ism" (from Greek "-ismos", denoting a belief or practice).
"Illegālis" itself consists of two Latin components: "in-" (meaning not) and "lēgālis" (referring to pertaining to the law). So, "illegālis" translates to "not pertaining to the law" or "unlawful".
Therefore, the term "illegalism" can be understood as the belief or practice of engaging in activities that are considered unlawful or not compliant with existing legal systems. In particular, it is often associated with a philosophy that promotes the rejection of traditional laws and regulations.
