ANARCHY AND TYRANNY

What circumstances can you imagine when there might be an absence of laws, inability to enforce laws, or unfair or unequal application of laws?

Rules are needed (and wanted) to ensure that our behaviour is regulated to meet the common expectations of society.

The absence of laws, the inability to enforce laws or the unfair and unequal application of laws can result in states of anarchy or tyranny.

ANARCHY

DEFINE:

From the Greek word anarchia – “without a ruler”

The absence of laws and government A state of chaos and disorder, resulting from

the absence of rules and laws

A state of anarchy may break out during a revolution or after a natural disaster, because law enforcement agencies no longer exists or are unable to enforce the laws of society

Violence and widespread looting are two early indications that a society is on the verge of anarchy

Certain philosophers believe that anarchy doesn’t imply chaos, but rather a ruler-free society with voluntary social harmony.

TYRANNY

DEFINE:

The opposite of anarchy A tyrant is a single leader who has unlimited

power over the people in a country or state Generally involves severe punishment for

any infringements of the law.

Tyrannical power is often (but not always) seized

Countries where tyranny exists are often referred to as “police states”

There is no rule of law when there is tyranny