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.
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.
Is Political Authority an Illusion?: A Debate
218Is Political Authority an Illusion?: A Debate
218Product Details
ISBN-13: | 9780367347451 |
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Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Publication date: | 11/10/2021 |
Series: | Little Debates about Big Questions |
Pages: | 218 |
Product dimensions: | 5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d) |