The Authority of the State and Its Justification

The podcast discusses the fundamental philosophical problem in political philosophy which questions the authority of the state. It delves into the concept of authority, distinguishing between power and authority, and why the state is considered to have authority over individuals. The conversation explores various theories of political authority, ultimately concluding that existing justifications for state authority lack validity. Moreover, it highlights the distinction between having power and having moral authority, raising critical questions about the entitlement of the state to enforce laws and regulations.