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The Problem of Political Authority: An Examination of the Right to Coerce and the Duty to Obey

Michael Huemer

4.38/5 (589 ratings)

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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 livable society thus does not require acquiescence in the illusion of political authority.

Format:

Pages:: 365 pages

Publication:

Publisher:

Edition:: 1st, First Edition

Language:: eng

ISBN10:: 1137281650

ISBN13:: 9781137281654

kindle Asin:

The Problem of Political Authority: An Examination of the Right to Coerce and the Duty to Obey

Michael Huemer

4.38/5 (589 ratings)

Read Download

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 livable society thus does not require acquiescence in the illusion of political authority.

Format:

Pages:: 365 pages

Publication:

Publisher:

Edition:: 1st, First Edition

Language:: eng

ISBN10:: 1137281650

ISBN13:: 9781137281654

kindle Asin:

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