本文論稱，古典無政府主義者，例如葛德文（William Godwin，1756~1836）、普魯東（Pierre-Joseph Proudhon，1809~1865）、巴枯寧（Michael Bakunin，1814~1876）和克魯泡特金（Peter Kropotkin，1842~1921）四人，在創建一個可能的自由社會的論述上，共持相同承擔。然而，這四人的思想，分別代表著四種不同的流派：個人主義（individualism）、互助主義（mutualism）、集產主義（collectivism）和共產主義（communism）；斯四子對此承擔，自有異同的論述。此外，本文亦將揭露出，馬克思主義與無政府主義兩方在理論上關鍵性的差別。最後，本文嘗試對無政府主義社會的願景的限制與可能，給予一評估。作者相信，無政府主義並非是一種荒誕狂想，與現代政治思想及生活無涉無關；相反地，無政府主義是一種思想概念，其特性與所長在其具有超越當下環境的限制的力量、在開啟另類思維的能力，以及在為政治行動重覓新路的衝動。總之，拙文試圖提出一種概括性的觀點來析論現代無政府主義。

This study argues that classic anarchist thinkers, such William Godwin, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, Michael Bakunin, and Peter Kropotkin, share common assumptions about the possibility of a free society. Exploring the works of the four anarchist thinkers, this study distinguishes four main currents in anarchist thought: individualism, mutualism, collectivism and communism. The detailed outline offered here also reveals the theoretical presuppositions behind Marxism and anarchism. Finally, this study offers a plausible view of the limits and possibilities of the anarchist vision of a free society. Disputing the widespread conviction that anarchism is a fantasy with no relevance to modern political thought and life, the author argues that it is a concept whose special virtue lies in its capacity to transcend the limitations of present circumstances, to inspire alternative thinking, and open up new directions for political actions. In short, this study provides a general perspective on modern anarchism.