Political Anarchism and Raz’s Theory of Authority
Res Publica 21 (3):309-329 (2015)
Abstract
This article argues that using Joseph Raz’s service conception of authority to reject philosophical anarchism can be affected by political anarchism. Whereas philosophical anarchism only denies the authority of the state, political anarchism claims that anarchism is a better alternative to the state. Raz’s theory holds that an institution has authority if it enables people to better conform with reason. I argue that there are cases where anarchism is an existing alternative to the state and better fulfils this condition. Consequently, in these cases, anarchist groups and societies and not the state have legitimate authority. When anarchism is not an existing alternative to the state, the state will, under Raz’s theory, have some legitimate authority, but that authority will be limited because anarchism remains a better possible alternative to the state. To support the political anarchist claim I discuss the anarchist collectives during the Spanish civil war, which I argue are an example of anarchism as an existing alternative to the state that better fulfils Raz’s service conception and also provide suggestive evidence that anarchism is in general a better possible alternative. I also discuss the relationship between political anarchism and authority and I argue that despite some tension they are not irreconcilable. I conclude that the interesting anarchist challenge for political theorists is political not philosophical.
Categories
ISBN(s)
PhilPapers/Archive ID
LEIPAA-3
Revision history

The Morality of Freedom.Raz, Joseph
Why Not Socialism?Cohen, G. A.
Justification and Legitimacy.Simmons, A. John
View all 20 references / Add more references

Realism, Utopianism, and Radical Values.Raekstad, Paul
Added to PP index
2015-04-11
Total downloads
415 ( #5,584 of 37,191 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
51 ( #6,862 of 37,191 )
2015-04-11
Total downloads
415 ( #5,584 of 37,191 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
51 ( #6,862 of 37,191 )
How can I increase my downloads?
Monthly downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks to external links.