Philosophical anarchism
Modern debates on political obligation
It questions a purported general obligation to obey the state.
Historical context
Philosophical anarchism addresses political obligation. It shares some questions with historical anarchist movements, although its arguments may centre on the general duty to obey.
Overview
A person can follow a rule because it protects others and still ask why the state is entitled to demand obedience by virtue of its authority. This separates reasons for complying with an order from reasons for recognising the right to issue it.
Main claims
The existence of a state authority requires an additional argument to generate a general duty of obedience.
State authority
State legitimacy requires justification independent of its existence.
Interpretation for comparison · Anarchism · Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Individual liberty
Political coercion requires justification to be compatible with autonomy.
Interpretation for comparison · Anarchism · Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Debates and nuances
Scepticism about political obligation can coexist with specific reasons for complying with laws.
The assessment compares only the positions documented in this entry.