Voluntaryism is a political philosophy that emphasizes voluntary action and association, rather than coercion or compulsion. The word is spelled with five syllables, /vɑləntɛri.ɪzəm/, and pronounced as "vah-luhn-teh-ree-iz-uhm". The "Volunt" syllable is pronounced with a "vah-luhn" sound, with the stress on the first syllable. The "ary" syllable is pronounced with an "uh-ree" sound. The phonetic transcription helps to clarify the pronunciation of the word for those who may be unfamiliar with it.
Voluntaryism is a philosophical and political ideology that advocates for the principle of voluntary or consensual interaction among individuals, without the use of coercion or force. It emphasizes the primacy of individual liberty and autonomy, affirming that people should be free to make their own choices and decisions without infringing upon the rights of others.
In the context of voluntaryism, individuals are seen as self-owners and have the right to exercise control over their own lives and bodies. Voluntaryists strongly oppose any form of aggression, whether it is initiated by individuals, governments, or other entities. They argue that an ideal society should be based on voluntary cooperation, where all transactions and interactions are consensual and non-coercive.
Voluntaryism rejects the use of state intervention and compulsion, advocating instead for a society based on voluntary exchange and private property rights. This includes voluntary economic interactions, voluntary associations, and voluntary defense of individual and property rights.
The voluntaryist philosophy extends to various aspects of life, including economics, politics, and personal relationships, with the belief that voluntary interactions lead to more efficient and ethical outcomes. Voluntaryists often advocate for limited or no government, favoring decentralized decision-making and voluntary associations as the basis for societal organization.
As a philosophical and political ideology, voluntaryism encompasses a variety of perspectives and interpretations, but the core principle remains the same: the promotion and protection of individual liberty through voluntary interactions and the rejection of aggression and coercion.
The system or practice of supporting the ordinances of religion by voluntary contributions, as opposed to compulsory rates or taxes, or by endowments.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "voluntaryism" is derived from the term "voluntary", which comes from the Latin word "voluntarius", meaning "of one's own free will". The suffix "-ism" is used to create a noun form indicating a doctrine, system of belief, or practice. Thus, "voluntaryism" refers to the ideology or philosophy that emphasizes voluntary action or cooperation as the fundamental principle for organizing society, rather than coercion or force.