What Is Property? · Chapter
Determination of the Third Form of Society. Conclusion. explained
Proudhon synthesizes communism and property into a third form of society called liberty, which balances equality, law, independence, and proportionality.
What happens
Proudhon synthesizes communism and property into a third form of society called liberty, which balances equality, law, independence, and proportionality. He argues that property is oppressive and antisocial, while communism is tyrannical and unjust. Liberty, as the synthesis, respects individual autonomy within the bounds of natural law and necessity. Proudhon concludes with a passionate call for social regeneration, urging the young to embrace liberty and equality, and prophesying the end of property and the dawn of a new society.
Themes in this chapter
Equality and Justice
Proudhon defines equality as equality of conditions and means, not of comfort, and insists that justice requires equal rights and duties.
Possession vs. Property
The chapter distinguishes possession (legitimate) from property (illegitimate), arguing that suppressing property while maintaining possession will revolutionize society.
Revolution and Reform
Proudhon calls for a radical transformation of law, government, and economy, predicting the end of property and the rise of liberty.
Characters to notice
- Pierre Joseph Proudhon
Author and central voice; presents the synthesis of communism and property as liberty, and delivers the concluding exhortation.
- M. Cousin
Quoted for the phrase 'Our principle is true; it is good, it is social; let us not fear to push it to its ultimate.'
Key passages
“This third form of society, the synthesis of communism and property, we will call liberty.”
Proudhon names the new social form 'liberty,' which combines the valid elements of communism and property.
Central thesis of the chapter: liberty as a synthesis.
“Liberty is equality, because liberty exists only in society; and in the absence of equality there is no society.”
Liberty and equality are inseparable; society cannot exist without equality.
Defines liberty in terms of equality.
“Suppress property while maintaining possession, and, by this simple modification of the principle, you will revolutionize law, government, economy, and institutions; you will drive evil from the face of the earth.”
Abolishing property but keeping possession will transform all social structures and eliminate societal ills.
Key practical proposal: replace property with possession.
“The government of man by man (under whatever name it be disguised) is oppression.”
Any form of rule by one person over another is inherently oppressive.
Anarchist principle: rejection of all hierarchical government.