THE PROBLEM OF POLITICAL AUTHORITY by Michael Huemer ( 9781137281661 )

Item Details

Title:

THE PROBLEM OF POLITICAL AUTHORITY
AN EXAMINATION OF THE RIGHT TO COERCE AND THE DUTY TO OBEY

By:

Format:

Electronic book text

List price:	£90.00
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ISBN 10:

1137281669

ISBN 13:

9781137281661

Publisher:

PALGRAVE MACMILLAN

Pub. date:

29 October, 2012

Description:

The state is often ascribed a special sort of authority, one that obliges citizens to obey its commands and entitles the state to enforce those commands through threats of violence. This book argues that this notion is a moral illusion: no one has ever possessed that sort of authority.

Synopsis:

Modern states commonly deploy coercion in a wide array of circumstances in which the resort to force would clearly be wrong for any private agent. What entitles the state to behave in this manner? And why should citizens obey its commands? This book examines theories of political authority, from the social contract theory, to theories of democratic authorization, to fairness- and consequence-based theories. Ultimately, no theory of authority succeeds, and thus no government has the kind of authority often ascribed to governments. The author goes on to discuss how voluntary and competitive institutions could provide the central goods for the sake of which the state is often deemed necessary, including law, protection from private criminals, and national security. An orderly and liveable society thus does not require acquiescence in the illusion of political authority.

Illustrations:

2 halftones, 5 figures

Publication:

Imprint:

Palgrave Macmillan

Returns:

Non-returnable

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