 |
Pier-Joseph PROUDHONFrench socialist, theorist of anarchism, one of the founders of political economy.
Date of Birth: 15.01.1809
Country:  France |
Content:
- Pierre-Joseph Proudhon
- Philosophical Beginnings
- Economic Theory and "System of Economic Contradictions"
- Political Activism and Exile
- Shift to Philosophy and Later Years
- Legacy and Death
Pierre-Joseph Proudhon
Early Life and EducationPierre-Joseph Proudhon was born on May 15, 1809, in Besançon, France, to a working-class family. He attended the local secondary school and began working as a typesetter in a printing shop at the age of 19.
Philosophical Beginnings
In 1837, Proudhon published "Essai de grammaire générale," an experimental work on language. In 1840, his seminal treatise "What Is Property?" caused an uproar with its assertion that "Property is theft." The publication of "Avertissement aux propriétaires" in 1842 led to his arrest for alleged revolutionary ideas.
Economic Theory and "System of Economic Contradictions"
Proudhon's major political work, "System of Economic Contradictions, or Philosophy of Poverty," was published in 1846. In it, he outlined his economic theories, which emphasized the contradiction between capital and labor.
Political Activism and Exile
From 1843 to 1847, Proudhon lived in Lyon, actively involved in the radical movement. He published several newspapers and attempted to establish a "People's Bank" that would provide interest-free loans. In 1849, he was sentenced to three years in prison for inciting rebellion.
Shift to Philosophy and Later Years
After his prison term, Proudhon became less active in political agitation and turned his attention to philosophical and historical aspects of political reform. His work "On Justice in the Revolution and in the Church" (1858) caused controversy and forced him to flee to Brussels. He returned to Paris in 1862 after being granted amnesty.
Legacy and Death
Proudhon died in Paris on January 19, 1865. Among his other significant works are "Principles of Political Organization" (1843), "Revolutionary Ideas" (1849), "War and Peace" (1861), and "The Capacity of the Working Classes" (1865). He is remembered as a prolific writer, philosopher, and one of the founders of modern anarchism.
