Syndicalist Anarchism

As you know Sydicalist Anarchism is of the largest, if not the largest branch of anarchism, in the world. But it is also in my opinion one of the most flawed political theories out there, filled with dogmatism, bad economics, sacred cows, and major revisions to history. Many of its adherents are extremely pretensious, and act as if only themselves and the people they agree with are anarchist and their allies. With that said, I think it is time for myself to become well read in critiques in order to solidify my position, and be able to hold my own with these idiots and shut them up when they try to tell me that I am not an anarchist. So hear are the four subjects of Syndicalist Anarchism that I hope you can provide excellent critiques of :

  1. Political and social theory.

  2. Economic theory of ideal society and criticism of capitalism.

  3. Syndicalist examples of historical models. (Specifically of Spanish anarchist of the Civil War.)

  4. Excellent Critiques of Naom Chomsky, and by excellent I mean critics who thoroughly understand the man’s life, political beliefs, and political theories. He is significant seeing as many syndicalist see him as some kind of Messiah.

Any articles, literature, or lectures would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

There really isn’t any need for a “special” critique of anarcho-syndicalism. It is simply an outgrowth of trade unionism and Marxism: they use surplus value theory, alienation, etc. to support a move towards an industrial system supported by “workplace democracy” (trade unionism). If you critique Marxian and unionist fallacies, you destroy anarcho-syndicalism.

Nozick has a grade A criticism of syndicalism in ASU.

Well specifically I want articles on the Syndicalist’s celebrated Spanish Civil War and their sacred coW, Naom Chomsky.

BrainPolice has a fairly decent critique of Chomsky on his Youtube channel

[:O] !!!

Yes it was a good intro, but now I need something that will shut the Chomsky-bots up for good.

This is the second time recently you, infer that I am close minded, or reveal that you don’t know me. If you have a specific criticism, by all means make it.

Re: BP’s video, it’s decent, not great. Some of it sounds like BP is arguing that Chomsky has socialism wrong, that market anarchy is the better way to Chomsky’s ends, rather than refuting both his means and ends.

Personally, I would get some of Chomsky’s material and start building your own critique. I don’t think arguing someone else’s position is very beneficial. You have to understand what is wrong on your own, and come at it from your own angle. Regurgitating other people’s arguments leads to stagnation (see Marxism).

Militant environmentalists (PETArds) are what have me worried.

From my experience, many of them tend to be syndicalist.

Bryan Caplan has an article on the Spanish Civil War here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marginal_utility

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prices

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_union

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self_ownership

I have it bookmarked, andfrom what I’ve read so far it is absolutely excellent. Maybe shouid also educate myself more on the frivolous charge of “wage slavery” that syndicalist love to yap about.

These are the ‘anarchists’ who outlawed money and went on a murder spree against clergy. When the sydicalists defend them, their statist colors are exposed for all to see.

An excellent piece.

Yeah the more I research Syndicalist Anarchism, the more it becomes clear that it is just as big of bullshit as National Anarchism.

they are not really anarchists but participatory democrats. imo no collectivist anarchist has been able to formulate an image where there are no tribalistic “meetings” held all the time.

Agreed. The best way is to argue people who hold those views, research their positions, and then proceed to destroy them.

Win.

Do any of you know of the main books on the political theory of Syndicalist Anarchism that syndicalist read?

Are you looking for works specifically on anarcho-syndicalism, or libertarian socialism in general?

In my anarcho-syndicalist days, I read Daniel Guerin’s (sp?) “Anarchism.” Pretty good book.