The author discusses the problem of political authority in a common sens setting and how and why anarchocapitalism might be a better alternative. Michael huemer, the problem of political authority. States claim to have authority, and this authority is simultaneously the basis for the individuals duty to obey the state and, should we be remiss in this duty, the states right to coerce. Under the terms of the traditional social contract theory, then, political obligation is a species of contractual obligation. Bryan caplan praises michael huemer s work on the problem of political authority because it avoids the extremes of both rightsbased and consequentialist reasoning. Michael huemer argues in his new book that indeed the modern arguments for political authority fail and, furthermore, that society will work just fine without state. The problem of political authority an examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey.
In this case, huemer dismantles traditional arguments for why the state posesses legitimate political power and builds a fairly convincing case for anarchocapitalism, a system in which the usual functions of the state law and defense are left to the free market. Table of content analytical contents preface part i. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey, respectfully disagrees with just about every sentiment expressed in the preceding paragraph. The state is often ascribed a special sort of authority, one that obliges citizens to. Huemer accepts the view that threatening coercion in this scenario would be morally justified. This is by far one of the strongest arguments for anarchocapitalism and anarchist ideas in general that i have ever seen.
I thought this was hard to believe, but after i read huemer s book i must say that i agree, insofar as it is best book on libertarianism that i. Considering nearly everyone allows some role for government, huemer has set himself a tall task. Each has notoriously foundered on difficult problems in the past, as is wellknown to students of political philosophy. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the problem of political authority. The problem of political authority by michael huemer the. The problem of political authority by huemer, michael ebook. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey by michael huemer for online ebook. The consequentialist explanation of political authority contends that great social benefits depend upon there being a state with political authority. Mikael olsson in his 20 book the problem of political authority michael huemer attempts to defend the idea that states have no legitimate authority and that we should therefore move to an anarchic anarchocapitalist society.
Review george klosko forthcoming philosophical explorations. He views these as fundamental characteristics of what he calls political authority. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey by michael huemer new york. The problem of political authority is his best book yet. Mar 05, 2017 in the problem of political authority. Review of michael huemers the problem of political. As the title the problem of political authority suggests, a central issue in political philosophy is the nature and justification of the authority of the state. He explains why the state lacks legitimate authority before suggesting reasons to think that it isnt necessary as a source of social order. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey, by michael huemer. Save up to 80% by choosing the etextbook option for isbn. The state is often ascribed a special sort of authority, one that obliges citizens to obey. This is what michael huemer calls the problem of political authority and, in his view, such authority does not exist. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey is the best book in the genre. The consequentialist explanation of political authority contends that great social.
A critique of michael huemer s the problem of political authority danny frederick independent scholar 1. The problem of political authority an examination of the. The problem of political authority independent institute. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey book. Michael huemer is the author of the problem of political authority 4. 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. Mar 04, 20 bryan caplan praises michael huemers work on the problem of political authority because it avoids the extremes of both rightsbased and consequentialist reasoning. The problem of political authority an examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey by michael huemer and publisher palgrave macmillan. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey by michael huemer. Myself the one who made the article and huemer author of the problem of political authority, who i quoted both assumed familiarity with the arguments of the second half of huemer s book.
Michael huemers book is an attack on the state, and on much of what modern states. Dec 11, 2012 the problem of political authority is a masterpiece of using clear, commonsense arguments to arrive at radical conclusions. Michael huemer calls the problem of political authority and, in his view, such authority does not exist. The profile quoted huemer as saying that political authority is a moral illusion were suffering from. Do not reproduce without permission of the publisher. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey palgrave macmillan 20, michael huemer. 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.
An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey, ethics 124, no. But the problem of coercion is a very serious one, and coercion should only be employed if there is really solid reason to justify it. The problem of political authority cambridge university press. Buy a cheap copy of the problem of political authority. Ebook human sciences philosophy general, encyclopedias michael huemer. George klosko, michael huemer, the problem of political authority.
Michael huemer, the problem of political authority, molinari society group meeting, eastern apa, 122920. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey michael huemer. I can illustrate huemers concept of political authority with an example. Using moral premises you probably already accept, and clear but subtle arguments, huemer leads you stepbystep to a radical yet compelling conclusion. The problem of political authority by michael huemer econlib. Review of huemer, the problem of political authority. Jan 17, 20 ive read almost every major work of libertarian political philosophy ever published.
How could a state have the moral authority to promulgate and enforce laws that citizens are thereby obliged to obey. Isnt this a pretty basic intuitive supposition that is that the strongest would immediately cause chaos and people would suffer, and suffer greatly. The problem of political authority by michael huemer. The author discusses the problem of political authority in a common sens setting and how and why anarchocapitalism might be a. In my view, michael huemers new the problem of political authority. Ive read almost every major work of libertarian political philosophy ever published. This book argues that this notion is a moral illusion.
Aug 28, 2016 michael huemer on political authority by j. The paperback of the the problem of political authority. Professor huemer, aaron, and trevor tackle problems of political obligation, political legitimacy, and political authority, and explain the differences between each of these terms. Jan 29, 20 what huemer means by the problem of political authority is suggested by the books subtitle. Michael huemer on political authority justice and hedonism. It is the first book on political philosophy ive read so wasnt sure what to expect but it is easy to read and not dependent on any abstract theory. Michael huemers challenge to the legitimacy of government. 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. In the problem of political authority, michael huemer levels a mighty challenge to the idea of political authority and what could take place in its stead. If youre tired of political books that merely preach to the choir, prepare to be amazed. In the problem of political authority, michael huemer argues for anarchism, and so against the authority of statemade law and against the moral legitimacy of the use of force to compel obedience to this kind of law.
The problem of political authority michael huemer bok. The problem of political authority, says huemer sec. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey michael huemer auth. Vandals roam the village, stealing and destroying peoples property. A critique of michael huemers the problem of political authority danny frederick independent scholar 1. Dec 11, 2012 the problem of political authority is his best book yet.
The back cover claims the book is a gripping page turner. Through samizdata, i recently discovered michael huemer s the problem of political authority. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey michael huemer on. Michael huemer the problem of political authority an. Michael huemer author of the problem of political authority. 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. The first part of the book argues in detail for philosophical anarchism and refutes the legitimacy of political authority, while the second addresses political anarchism and the practical viability of.
Professor huemer, aaron powell, and trevor burrus tackle problems of political obligation, political legitimacy, and political authority, and explain the differences between each of these terms. And yet, through careful reasoning that relies on commonly held. Introduction michael huemer s the problem of political authority addresses the question of whether the state is, or can be, legitimate. Crucially however, this objection to redistributive taxation is no longer based on widely held moral intuitions and a view of political authority shared by many political philosophers. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey by michael huemer free pdf d0wnl0ad, audio books, books to read, good books to read, cheap books, good books. Huemer scrupulously reasons from widely shared moral. Michael huemer, author of the problem of political authority. The theory holds that, at least in some countries, there is a contractual relationship between the government and its citizens. A critique of michael huemers the problem of political authority.
Review of michael huemers the problem of political authority. Introduction michael huemers the problem of political authority addresses the question of whether the state is, or can be, legitimate. I was wrong i raced through this engaging, brilliant book. In my view, michael huemer s new the problem of political authority. Each has notoriously foundered on difficult problems in the past, as is wellknown to students of political. The problem of political authority with michael huemer. Penultimate version for final authoritative version, please refer to text published in mind. In his book, the problem of political authority, michael huemer considers different types of explanation of political authority and he rejects them all. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey is a book by university of colorado philosophy professor michael huemer released in january 20.
An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey palgrave macmillan 20, michael huemer explores this puzzling phenomenon, and defends the. In his 20 book the problem of political authority michael huemer attempts to defend the idea that states have no legitimate authority and that we should therefore move to an anarchic anarchocapitalist society. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Jun 26, 2015 michael huemers 20 book the problem of political authority sets out to prove a radical conjecture. Huemer discusses the problems with political authority and the social contract i. Considered by some to be one of the greatest philosophers alive. Danny frederick, a critique of michael huemers the problem. He has defended ethical intuitionism, direct realism, libertarianism, veganism, and philosophical anarchism. I recently read this book, and although it is generally interesting and wellwritten i have some criticisms to put forward. Michael huemer is a professor of philosophy at the university of colorado, boulder. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey kindle edition by huemer, michael. The social contract theory is the most prominent account of authority in the last 400 years of philosophy and has as good a claim as any to being americas theory of authority. An examination of the right to coerce and the duty to obey by michael huemer on.
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