AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discussion on the need for explanation of authority and majority rule
The defenders of authority need to provide a valid explanation of why they have authority, which is essential in situations such as work hierarchies and parenting. The authority of the state also requires a clear justification, as the existing explanations often contain factual or moral errors. The belief that democracy grants authority because people agree to the system is questioned, as having a majority does not automatically justify authority or override individuals' natural rights. The example of deciding who pays the dinner bill illustrates that a majority vote does not necessarily entitle them to enforce their decision on others. Therefore, there is a need for a robust explanation for the authority of the state to justify actions that might otherwise be considered rights violations, surpassing the simple notion of majority rule.