Towards A Working Definition

Abstract

The relationship between intellectualism and revolution has, since the very dawn of authoritarian oppression, been inextricable, with the former being the springboard of the latter. However, most recently, new voices in academia and media alike promulgated that this formula ceased to operate, as what began to incentive revolution is utter anarchy, deriving its ideological lifeline from countering the intellectual as an imposing authority figure. Nevertheless, the perpetual convergence of the anarchy and the intellectual seems sufficiently paradoxical to be dissociated or dissolved, and it reveals more than just an inherent hostile affinity. This observation prompts us to consider the fundamental question about the nature of the relationship between these two concepts and to reassess the validity of the claims attributed to their antagonistic relationship. Thus, our aim in this research paper, which is through theoretical reflection and with the assistance of historical introspection, is to explore the relationship between anarchy and the intellect which we assume to be a dialectical one, as it is one which is fraught with ambiguities and misunderstandings and to examine critically the spirit of anarchy in order for us to connect the dots that link the two. Furthermore, a much more foundational level of this discussion seeks to redefine, most appropriately, the concept of anarchy and to cross this threshold of division. Also central to this discussion is the idea that anarchy as a practice is steeped in theory and cannot escape the shackles of the intellect mind. This is, then, what the following paper will discuss.