In an anarchist society, the concept of authority undergoes a fundamental transformation, departing from traditional hierarchical structures. Anarchism advocates for a society characterized by voluntary cooperation, decentralized decision-making, and the absence of coercive forms of authority. The principles underlying authority in an anarchist society can be outlined as follows:

1. Voluntary Association:
   Authority in an anarchist society is based on voluntary association and cooperation. Individuals join together in groups, communities, or associations out of shared interests, goals, and mutual consent. The authority within these groups emerges organically and is not imposed externally.

2. Decentralized Decision-Making:
   Anarchism rejects centralized authority and instead promotes decentralized decision-making. Power is distributed among autonomous and self-governing units, allowing individuals to participate directly in the decisions that affect them. This ensures that authority is localized and responsive to the needs of the community.

3. Direct Democracy:
   Authority in an anarchist society often takes the form of direct democracy, where individuals participate directly in decision-making processes. This eliminates the need for representatives or rulers and empowers individuals to have a direct influence on the policies and actions that shape their lives.

4. Functional Authority:
   Authority is functional and task-specific in an anarchist society. It arises based on the expertise, skills, or experience of individuals within a particular domain. This form of authority is temporary and contextual, emerging to address specific needs and dissolving once the task is accomplished.

5. Consensus and Cooperation:
   Anarchist authority relies on consensus-building and cooperation rather than coercion. Decisions are made collectively through open dialogue and deliberation, with the aim of finding solutions that respect the autonomy and preferences of all individuals involved.

6. Revocable Mandates:
   Any delegated authority is considered a revocable mandate rather than a permanent position of power. Individuals entrusted with specific responsibilities can be recalled if they fail to adhere to the principles and values of the community, ensuring accountability and preventing the concentration of authority.

In summary, authority in an anarchist society is radically redefined as a voluntary, decentralized, and functional arrangement based on direct democracy, consensus, and cooperation. This vision seeks to eliminate oppressive hierarchical structures, allowing for the empowerment of individuals and the creation of a society based on principles of equality, autonomy, and solidarity.

Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy emphasized the inseparable connection between ends and means, considering them equally significant in the pursuit of truth and non-violence. He articulated this principle in the phrase "the means are the ends in the making," reflecting his conviction that the methods employed to achieve a goal must align with the ethical and moral values of that goal.

1. Primacy of Ethical Means:
   Gandhi believed that the means used to achieve an end should be morally sound and in harmony with the principles of truth and non-violence. He argued that the goodness of the end could not justify unethical or violent methods. For him, the means were not simply a path to an end but an integral part of the end itself.

2. Transformation of the Individual:
   Gandhi saw the pursuit of truth and non-violence as transformative processes that began within the individual. The means employed in any struggle or movement had to contribute to the moral and spiritual growth of the individuals involved. This inner transformation was essential for creating a just and harmonious society.

3. Sustainable and Lasting Change:
   Gandhi believed that ends achieved through ethical means were more likely to bring about lasting and positive change. If the means were oppressive or violent, the resulting end would be tainted and prone to perpetuating injustice. Ethical means, on the other hand, laid the foundation for a just and enduring outcome.

4. Unity of Means and Ends:
   According to Gandhi, the separation of means and ends was illusory. He asserted that one could not achieve a noble end through ignoble means. The moral character of the means determined the nature of the end. Thus, the journey toward a goal was as crucial as the goal itself.

5. Demonstration of Commitment:
   Gandhi's commitment to non-violence and truth was exemplified through his personal adherence to these principles in various campaigns, such as the Salt March and the Quit India Movement. His life became a living testimony to the inseparability of ends and means.

In summary, Gandhi's views on the importance of ends and means underscored the ethical imperative of aligning the methods employed with the values one sought to uphold. This principle became a guiding force in his philosophy of non-violent resistance and his vision for a just and enlightened society.

Gandhi's views on the rights of women were characterized by a commitment to equality, dignity, and the empowerment of women within the framework of his broader philosophy of truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa). While he held some traditional views influenced by his time, his advocacy for women's rights was progressive for his era.

1. Equality and Dignity:
   Gandhi believed in the fundamental equality and dignity of women. He emphasized that women, like men, were entitled to the same rights and opportunities. He recognized their potential as active participants in social, political, and economic spheres.

2. Educational Empowerment:
   Gandhi was a strong advocate for women's education. He believed that education was crucial for the empowerment of women and their active participation in society. He encouraged women to pursue education, fostering their intellectual development and independence.

3. Economic Independence:
   Gandhi promoted economic self-sufficiency for women. He emphasized the importance of women engaging in productive activities, including cottage industries and hand-spinning, to contribute to their economic independence and the overall well-being of society.

4. Political Participation:
   Gandhi supported the idea of women actively participating in politics. While he may not have been as radical in his approach as some later feminist movements, he acknowledged the importance of women having a voice in political decision-making processes.

5. Equality in Civil Disobedience Movements:
   Women played a significant role in Gandhi's civil disobedience movements. He encouraged their active participation in protests and demonstrations, recognizing their capacity to contribute to social and political change.

6. Opposition to Social Evils:
   Gandhi was a vocal critic of social evils affecting women, such as child marriage and the mistreatment of widows. He advocated for reforms in societal norms and practices that oppressed women, aligning with his broader vision of a just and humane society.

While Gandhi's views on women's rights were progressive for his time, it's essential to acknowledge that some of his views might be considered conservative by contemporary standards. Nevertheless, his advocacy for women's education, economic independence, and participation in political movements laid a foundation for later advancements in women's rights in India.

Gandhi favored Gramswaraj (village self-rule) over Western industrialization for several reasons deeply rooted in his philosophy and vision for a just and sustainable society:

1. Sustainable and Decentralized Development:
   Gandhi believed in the sustainability and self-sufficiency of village economies. He argued that Gramswaraj would lead to a decentralized form of development, where each village would be economically self-reliant and capable of meeting its basic needs. This stood in contrast to Western industrialization, which he saw as centralized and potentially exploitative.

2. Human-Scale Development:
   Gandhi envisioned a society where development occurred on a human scale, fostering a more intimate connection between individuals and their work. He emphasized the importance of craftsmanship and small-scale industries, where people could engage in meaningful and fulfilling work rather than becoming cogs in a large industrial machine.

3. Preservation of Traditional Skills:
   Gramswaraj aimed at preserving and revitalizing traditional skills and crafts. Gandhi saw inherent value in the wisdom and craftsmanship found in villages, arguing that industrialization often led to the neglect and extinction of these skills in favor of mass production.

4. Environmental Sustainability:
   Concerned about the environmental impact of industrialization, Gandhi advocated for a lifestyle that harmonized with nature. Gramswaraj, in his view, would promote sustainable agricultural practices, local resource management, and a closer connection between communities and their natural surroundings.

5. Community Empowerment:
   Gramswaraj emphasized community-based decision-making and self-governance. Gandhi believed that empowering local communities to manage their own affairs would lead to a more participatory and just society. Western industrialization, with its centralization of power, was seen as potentially disempowering local communities.

6. Non-Exploitative Economic System:
   Gandhi criticized the exploitative nature of Western industrial capitalism, where profits often came at the expense of workers and communities. Gramswaraj aimed at creating an economic system that prioritized the welfare of all, with an emphasis on social and economic justice.

7. Spiritual and Ethical Foundations:
   Gandhi's preference for Gramswaraj was also rooted in his spiritual and ethical beliefs. He envisioned a society where economic activities were guided by moral principles, fostering a sense of responsibility and service to others.

In summary, Gandhi's advocacy for Gramswaraj over Western industrialization was based on a holistic vision of society that prioritized sustainability, human-scale development, community empowerment, environmental harmony, and ethical considerations. His philosophy aimed at creating a society where individuals lived in harmony with nature, worked meaningfully, and participated actively in the governance and well-being of their local communities.