Examining the political theory of anarchism from a philosophical and historical perspective, this book relates anarchism to the fundamental ethical and political problem of authority. It pays attention to the authority of the state and the anarchist rejection of various traditional claims made for the legitimacy of state authority.

Examining the political theory of anarchism from a philosophical and historical perspective, Paul McLaughlin relates anarchism to the fundamental ethical and political problem of authority. The book pays particular attention to the authority of the state and the anarchist rejection of all traditional claims made for the legitimacy of state authority, the author both explaining and defending the central tenets of the anarchist critique of the state.

'Above all, then, this volume performs both a clarificatory and redemptive function, and is an invaluable resource for anyone - student or scholar - wishing to acquire a basic and accurate philosophical grounding of anarchist thought.' Studies in Social and Political Thought