Kropotkin and cooperative behavior: Critique of political economy and influence in Spain

Abstract

Smith, Darwin, and his own observations as a naturalist helped Kropotkin to develop his theory of mutual aid as a relevant factor in the adaptive success of species. Against the idea of self-interest as the fundamental economic motivation, Kropotkin claimed the importance of cooperative behavior based on empathy and reciprocity, something that has only recently begun to attract the attention of economists. This view of human nature was one of the essential elements of Kropotkin’s critique of political economy and socalled Social Darwinism, which is discussed in this paper. Although the Russian author was certainly the most widely read by Spanish anarchists, they did not delve into the economic implications of his work or the idea of mutual aid, since economic questions were for them very secondary, lacking original economic thought and generally limiting their critical analyses to the ethical terrain.