Rebellion is a neglected philosophical concept whose importance today cannot be underestimated. In contemporary society, we are contending with a dangerously misconceived notion of individual freedom, which sees the individual’s sphere of autonomy as unlimited and impervious to outside interference. This leads to all kinds of irrational rebellions, most recently witnessed in the revolt against public health measures during the pandemic. This raises important philosophical questions about the nature of freedom and rebellion, and it is obvious that in order for rebellion to be constructive and genuine, it requires a set of clear ethical rules and conditions.

The main focus of the dissertation is a historical analysis of the concept of rebellion. The research works with the theories of the Russian anarchists, Mikhail Bakunin, and Pyotr Kropotkin, and the French philosopher Albert Camus, all of whom consider rebellion as originating from the notion of freedom. Beyond this common thread, the work explores a deeper, so far not-fully explored, historical and conceptual connection, of Camus being profoundly influenced by the Russian anarchists. In exploring their connection, the research looks for ideas, which could be critically translated into a philosophical concept of rebellion that could be of use today.