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Agorism

Definition​

Agorism is acting consistency with freedom, including when interacting with others.

Discussion​

The term comes from the ancient Greek word agora (ἀγορά) meaning a place where people gathered including for the purpose to voluntarily exchange goods with one another.

An agora was a location within a polis. It was the city's public square where people interacted to trade, discuss current affairs, engage in politics and worship. The most well known agora was in Athens near the Acropolis.

Contemporary agorism involves engaging the "counter-economics", that is to peacefully exchange goods and services with others even if that means circumventing the coercive or otherwise oppressive actions of others, including political institutions. Avoiding the coercion of the state is sometimes labelled the "shadow economy" or "grey market". In this sense, agorism sits in the tradition of anarchy.

Agorism is the consistent integration of libertarian theory with counter-economic practice: an agorist is one who acts consistently for freedom and in freedom. - Samuel L Konkin III

Further Resources​

  • Konkin III, Samuel Edward, An Agorist Primer: Counter-Economics, Total Freedom, and You (KoPubCo, 2009)