Libertarian Socialism

[Idealism]

I know it has a broader meaning beyond anarchist, but COULD it be synonyms with anarco-communism/syndicalism?

[h9socialist]

It appears to be an odd mixture of terms. As in most every case it's all in how you define the terms. A "libertarian socialist" is -- in my opinion at least -- one who sees socialism as a liberation. In that regard I would direct you to the last hundred pages of Das Kapital, Volume III. Marx talks about "the realm of necessity" versus "the realm of freedom." He states that the "realm of freedom" begins when the "realm of necessity" is completed. Then he says "the shortening of the working day is its necessary precondition." (Or words to that effect). In other words, freedom begins when the work day ends. Socialism liberates by minimizing "the realm of necessity" and maximizing "the realm of freedom." Necessarily capitalist exploitation and accumulation must recede, and the individual is emancipated from the servitude of wage labor.

[Invincible Summer]

I think "libertarian socialism" is usually used to refer to a socialist who believes socialism is a system which will maximize liberty. I'm not sure if it can be synonymous though, as some people who identify as libertarian socialists may not identify w/ being an An-Commie/syndicalist

[ZeroNowhere]

Generally, authoritarian socialists would include Blanquists, Lassalleans, and such, who preach an authoritarian path to socialism. They can believe that socialism will 'maximize liberty' all they want (Hell, it would probably serve as a good pie-in-the-sky-when-you-die promise to keep people under their power), they're still authoritarians. Libertarian socialists would be people who believe that the emancipation of the working class is the task of the working class (the majority of it, at least), and oppose hierarchal authority as a means, and certainly as an end. This would include anarcho-commies, syndies, us De Leonists, council commies, and some other left commies (some still get hard-ons over the bolshiet revolution, and others are Bordigists).