Volitamists

Volitamists are adherents of Volitamism, a political and ethical doctrine that holds that legitimate social order rests on voluntary choice and consent rather than coercive authority. They argue that political association, economic activity, and the provision of public goods should arise from voluntary agreements among individuals and voluntary associations, with governance organized through expressed consent.

Core beliefs include the primacy of non-aggression and voluntary consent, property and contracts derived from voluntary transfer, and decision-making through decentralized, consent-based structures. Volitamists typically oppose compulsory taxation, conscription, and coercive regulation, while supporting voluntary forms of mutual aid, philanthropy, and welfare funded by those who opt into such arrangements. They emphasize transparent deliberation, participatory governance, and safeguards for minority rights within voluntary associations.

History and development: The term arose within libertarian and reformist liberal circles as part of a broader tradition emphasizing voluntary cooperation. Volitamists draw on voluntarist and civil-society thought, seeking to translate philosophical commitments into institutional designs that minimize coercion while preserving social cooperation. The movement tends to favor experiments in voluntary governance and pluralistic federation rather than a single uniform model.

Practice and influence: The theoretical framework envisions networks of voluntary associations, federations, and mutual-aid groups coordinating welfare, infrastructure, and defense without state-imposed compulsion. Proponents advocate reforms that reduce state power, promote voluntary funding for public goods, and develop mechanisms to resolve disputes within consent-based systems.

Criticism: Critics contend that pure voluntarism may struggle to provide universal public goods, protect rights amid power imbalances, and coordinate large-scale defense and infrastructure. They cite coordination problems, free-rider dynamics, and potential inequities within voluntary networks.