Kevin Carson American political scientist, publicist, mutualist, individualist anarchist and anarcho-syndicalist Date of Birth: 01.01.1963 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Influences
2. Critique of Capitalism and Private Property
3. Mutualism and Decentralization
4. Critique of Vulgar Libertarianism
5. Recent Work and Activities

Early Life and Influences

Kevin Carson is an American political scientist and anarchist philosopher. He is a member of the Alliance of Libertarian Left and the Voluntaryist Movement. Carson's political views have been described as at the intersection of free-market libertarianism and socialism. He draws inspiration from the works of Benjamin Tucker, Ralph Borsodi, Lewis Mumford, and Ivan Illich.

Critique of Capitalism and Private Property

Carson defines capitalism in historical terms, emphasizing the role of state intervention in the market economy. He argues that it is this intervention that distinguishes capitalism from a free market. Carson believes that the separation of labor from property and the subordination of labor to capital are the result of state intervention to protect the ruling class. This intervention includes the monetary monopoly, the granting of patents and subsidies to corporations, discriminatory taxation, and military intervention to gain access to global markets.

Mutualism and Decentralization

Carson is a proponent of mutualism, a form of anarchism that emphasizes the role of voluntary cooperation and mutual aid. He argues that a true free market economy would eliminate the profit motive and result in a classless society. Carson believes that the centralization of wealth and the creation of class hierarchies are the result of state intervention.

Critique of Vulgar Libertarianism

Carson coined the pejorative term "vulgar libertarianism" to describe the use of free market ideology to defend corporate capitalism and economic inequality. He argues that this term derives from Karl Marx's phrase "vulgar political economy," which he used to refer to an economic order that "more and more blatantly apologizes for the existing order of things and becomes increasingly brazen in the face of any requirement to provide a real analysis of existing conditions."

Recent Work and Activities

In November 2008, the Center for a Stateless Society announced that it would be hiring Carson as its research fellow and first salaried staff member. Since January 2009, Carson has produced research papers for the Center, as well as writing numerous political commentary pieces on topics such as privatization, the Obama administration's Justice Department, and the War on Drugs.