The Morality of Obeying the Law

ISBN-13: 9781509935949 / Angielski / Twarda / 2028 / 160 str.

Australia) Kevin Walton (University of Sydney

Opis

This book suggests a new direction for the old and lately vigorous debate about whether there is a moral obligation to obey the law. It argues that the imposition of unnecessary conditions has misdirected the search for such an obligation. These conditions matter – they favour some arguments over others – and they ought not to be accepted without adequate justification. The book starts by asking what must be established by an argument for a moral obligation to obey the law. It asks what follows from a moral obligation to obey the law being a moral obligation. It then asks what follows from a moral obligation to obey the law being a species of political obligation. Finally, it asks what follows from a moral obligation to obey the law being an obligation to obey. Having identified the conditions to be satisfied, the book considers three arguments. Two of these arguments – the argument from consent and the argument from the natural duty of justice – are more promising than is often thought. The third – the argument from membership – is doubted.

Spis treści

1. Introduction 2. Moral Obligation 3. Political Obligation 4. Obedience 5. Consent 6. The Natural Duty of Justice 7. Membership 8. Conclusion