The Problem of Political Authority
An Examination of the Right to Coerce and the Duty to Obey
Published on 29. October 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
XXVIII, 365 pages
978-1-137-28165-4 (ISBN)
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.
Reviews / Votes
'Huemer has produced not just a brilliant work of political philosophy, but a gripping page-turner. With an engaging style and sharp wit, Huemer demolishes two entrenched dogmas: that we have a duty to obey the law, and the state has the right to force us to obey. Huemer's conclusions may be controversial, but he makes them seem like commonsense.' - Jason Brennan, Georgetown University, USA 'Michael Huemer is my favorite philosopher. The Problem of Political Authority is his best book yet. Using moral premises you probably already accept, and clear but subtle arguments, Huemer leads you step-by-step to a radical yet compelling conclusion: government as we know it is an unnecessary evil. If you're tired of political books that merely preach to the choir, prepare to be amazed.' - Bryan Caplan, George Mason University, USAMore details
Edition
2013 edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
XXVIII, 365 p.
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 136 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
499 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-137-28165-4 (9781137281654)
DOI
10.1057/9781137281661
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Michael Huemer
The Problem of Political Authority
An Examination of the Right to Coerce and the Duty to Obey
Book
10/2012
Palgrave Macmillan
€160.49
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Michael Huemer is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Colorado at Boulder, USA, where he has worked since 1998. He is the author of Skepticism and the Veil of Perception and Ethical Intuitionism , as well as more than 40 articles in ethics, epistemology, political philosophy, and metaphysics.
Content
Analytical Contents Preface PART I:THE ILLUSION OF AUTHORITY The Problem of Political Authority The Traditional Social Contract Theory The Hypothetical Social Contract Theory The Authority of Democracy Consequentialism and Fairness The Psychology of Authority What If There Is No Authority? PART II: SOCIETY WITHOUT AUTHORITY Evaluating Social Theories The Logic of Predation Individual Security in a Stateless Society Criminal Justice and Dispute Resolution War and Societal Defense From Democracy to Anarchy References Index