Anti-fascism and the ethics of prefiguration

Franks, B. (2014) Anti-fascism and the ethics of prefiguration. Affinities: A Journal of Radical Theory, 8(1), pp. 44-72.

Abstract

There is a tension between rival anti-fascist praxes: social democratic, orthodox Marxist and indeed some anarchist movements privilege consequentialist approaches because the goal of defeating fascism is viewed as the supreme value, whilst most anarchists and heterodox Marxist approaches have tended to support prefigurative methods. This paper clarifies the concept of prefiguration to illustrate the differences and conflicts between these anti-fascist approaches and the possibilities of a convergence. In doing so it identifies and replies to some of the main criticisms of prefigurative anti-fascism.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Franks, Dr Benjamin
• Authors: Franks, B.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics; H Social Sciences > HX Socialism. Communism. Anarchism; J Political Science > JA Political science (General); J Political Science > JC Political theory
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: Affinities: A Journal of Radical Theory
• Journal Abbr.: Affinities
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 The Author
• First Published: First published in Affinities: A Journal of Radical Theory 8(1):44-72
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher