Princeton UP Ideas Podcast Philip Pettit, "The State" (Princeton UP, 2023)
Dec 1, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Philip Pettit, a renowned political philosopher and author, delves into the foundations of statehood and justice. He explores the concept of neo-Republican freedom and how it shapes the state's relationship with its citizens. Pettit emphasizes the importance of democratic control and legitimacy, articulating a balance between sovereignty and necessary checks to prevent domination. He also critiques corporate personhood and advocates for frameworks like parliamentary systems that prioritize transparency and citizen engagement.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Freedom As Non-Domination
- Philip Pettit defines freedom as non-domination: security from others' power, not merely non-interference.
- This republican concept demands protections against others having arbitrary power over you.
State As The Key Instrument Of Justice
- Pettit argues the state is the primary means to achieve social and political justice domestically and globally.
- Because the state is indispensable, we must understand its potentials and limits.
Hobbes On Function Over Justice
- Hobbes focused on creating a functional state that secures order via a sovereign center rather than on justice.
- Pettit contrasts that functional focus with later thinkers who move from functionality to ideal theories of justice.