The Problem of Political Authority

The Problem of Political Authority PDF

Author: Michael Huemer

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2012-10-29

Total Pages: 391

ISBN-13: 1137281669

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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.

Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction

Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction PDF

Author: David Miller

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2003-06-26

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 0191577863

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This book introduces readers to the concepts of political philosophy. It starts by explaining why the subject is important and how it tackles basic ethical questions such as 'how should we live together in society?' It looks at political authority, the reasons why we need politics at all, the limitations of politics, and whether there are areas of life that shouldn't be governed by politics. It explores the connections between political authority and justice, a constant theme in political philosophy, and the ways in which social justice can be used to regulate rather than destroy a market economy. David Miller discusses why nations are the natural units of government and whether the rise of multiculturalism and transnational co-operation will change this: will we ever see the formation of a world government? ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The Moral Foundations of Politics

The Moral Foundations of Politics PDF

Author: Ian Shapiro

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2012-10-30

Total Pages: 303

ISBN-13: 0300189753

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When do governments merit our allegiance, and when should they be denied it? Ian Shapiro explores this most enduring of political dilemmas in this innovative and engaging book. Building on his highly popular Yale courses, Professor Shapiro evaluates the main contending accounts of the sources of political legitimacy. Starting with theorists of the Enlightenment, he examines the arguments put forward by utilitarians, Marxists, and theorists of the social contract. Next he turns to the anti-Enlightenment tradition that stretches from Edmund Burke to contemporary post-modernists. In the last part of the book Shapiro examines partisans and critics of democracy from Plato’s time until our own. He concludes with an assessment of democracy’s strengths and limitations as the font of political legitimacy. The book offers a lucid and accessible introduction to urgent ongoing conversations about the sources of political allegiance.

Nietzsche's Political Skepticism

Nietzsche's Political Skepticism PDF

Author: Tamsin Shaw

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2010-07-21

Total Pages: 171

ISBN-13: 0691146535

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It is difficult to spell out the precise political implications of Nietzsche's critique of morality. He himself never did so in any systematic way. Tamsin Shaw argues there is a reason for this: that Nietzsche's insights entail a distinctive form of political skepticism.

Is Political Authority an Illusion?

Is Political Authority an Illusion? PDF

Author: Michael Huemer

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2021-11-09

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 1000456404

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What gives some people the right to issue commands to everyone else and force everyone else to obey them? And why should people obey the commands of those with political power? These two key questions are the heart of the issue of political authority, and, in this volume, two philosophers debate the answers. Michael Huemer argues that political authority is an illusion and that no one is entitled to rule over anyone. He discusses and rebuts the major theories supporting political authority’s rightfulness: implicit social contract theory, hypothetical contract theories, democratic theories of authority, and utilitarian theories. Daniel Layman argues that democratic governments have authority because they are needed to protect our rights and because they are accountable to the people. Each author writes two replies directly addressing the arguments and ideas of the other. Key Features Covers a key foundational problem of political philosophy: the authority of government. Debate format ensures a full hearing of both sides. A Glossary includes key concepts in political philosophy related to the issue of authority. Annotated Further Reading sections point students to additional resources. Clear, concrete examples and arguments help students clearly see both sides of the argument. A Foreword by Matt Zwolinski describes a broader context for political authority and then traces the key points and turns in the authors’ debate.

Leviathan

Leviathan PDF

Author: Thomas Hobbes

Publisher: Courier Corporation

Published: 2012-10-03

Total Pages: 418

ISBN-13: 048612214X

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Written during a moment in English history when the political and social structures were in flux and open to interpretation, Leviathan played an essential role in the development of the modern world.

The Cambridge Companion to Natural Law Ethics

The Cambridge Companion to Natural Law Ethics PDF

Author: Tom Angier

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2019-11-07

Total Pages: 359

ISBN-13: 1108422632

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How do ethical norms relate to human nature? This comprehensive and interdisciplinary volume surveys the latest thinking on natural law.