The problem of political authority : an examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey

Resource Information

The work The problem of political authority : an examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Sydney Jones Library, University of Liverpool. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

The problem of political authority : an examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey

Title remainder

an examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey

Statement of responsibility

Michael Huemer

Creator

• Huemer, Michael, 1969-
• Huemer, Michael, 1969-

Subject

• Obedience
• Power (Social sciences) -- Moral and ethical aspects
• Authority
• Society
• Social contract
• Citizenship

Language

eng

Summary

"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."--Publisher's website

Cataloging source

StDuBDS

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

LC call number

HM1251

LC item number

.H845 2013

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography

Target audience

specialized