Academy of Ideas Should We Obey The Government?
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Dec 3, 2024 The podcast delves into the moral implications of government actions, contrasting them with individual behaviors. It raises questions about implicit consent in political authority, challenging traditional notions of legitimacy. The ethics of majority rule are scrutinized, revealing the dangers of imposing obligations on dissenters. Psychological biases influencing citizens' obedience are explored, alongside historical harms inflicted by governments. Listeners are urged to critically assess their compliance with authority, reflecting on the potential consequences of blind obedience.
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Pirate Analogy
- A pirate, captured by Alexander the Great, justifies his actions.
- He equates his piracy with Alexander's conquests, differing only in scale.
Moral Status of Governments
- Governments perform actions deemed immoral for individuals.
- This raises the question of their special moral status and justification.
Social Contract Theory
- The social contract theory posits an agreement between government and citizens.
- However, no explicit contract exists, and states often arise from conquest.
