Revisiting Bakunin: Reflecting about the Pandemic

Abstract

As Jon Stewart traces the concepts of recognition and alienation in Hegel’s Century, he devotes a chapter to Bakunin’s theory of anarchism. This presents an opportunity to reflect on rebellion against the pandemic measures during the Covid-19 pandemic. I explain Bakunin’s historical materialism in order to demonstrate how rebellion against pandemic measures cannot use his philosophy as its rational justification. Next I explain the nature of Bakunin’s scientific skepticism to show that he would consider the compliance with restrictions as a reasonable expression of freedom. Finally I show how a misguided interpretation of personal freedom and pre-existing inequalities exacerbate the spread of the virus.

Keywords

• Bakunin
• Rebellion
• Freedom
• Pandemic
• Covid-19