The Ethics of Deference Learning from Law's Morals [Paperback]

Differs from standard approaches by focusing on the language of deference instead of obedience.Do citizens have an obligation to obey the law? This book differs from standard approaches by shifting from the language of obedience (orders) to that of deference (normative judgments). Though the focus is on political obligation, the author approaches that issue indirectly by developing a more general account of when deference is due to the view of others. The book defends a more general theory of ethics whose scope extends beyond the question of political obligation to questions of duty in the case of law, promises, fair play and friendship.Do citizens have an obligation to obey the law? This book differs from standard approaches by shifting from the language of obedience (orders) to that of deference (normative judgments). Though the focus is on political obligation, the author approaches that issue indirectly by developing a more general account of when deference is due to the view of others. The book defends a more general theory of ethics whose scope extends beyond the question of political obligation to questions of duty in the case of law, promises, fair play and friendship.Do citizens have an obligation to obey the law? This book differs from standard approaches by shifting from the language of obedience (orders) to that of deference (normative judgments). Though the focus is on political obligation, Philip Soper approaches that issue indirectly by developing a more general account of when deference is due to the views of others. The book defends a more general theory of ethics; one whose scope extends beyond the question of political obligation to questions of duty in the case of law, promises, fair play and friendship.Part I. Law's Morals: 1. Introduction; 2. Understanding authority; 3. Claiming authority; 4. The nature of law; Part II. The Ethics of Deference: 5. The puzzle of promise; 6. The problem of fair play; 7. Political obligation; 8. The naturlÁ