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Presentation for the 2009 University Scholars Day at the University of North Texas discussing the subjectivity of state legitimacy.
Physical Description
21 p.
Notes
Abstract: Political philosophers that have attempted to legitimize the state as an objectively just entity have traditionally drawn upon three distinct bases: consent of the ruled, the objectively just nature of the state's laws, and the state's unique potential to reduce societal harms. This presentation describes research that attempts to demonstrate the shortcomings of each strategy, specifically with respect to their shared reliance upon practical necessity as a rationalization for the alleged legitimacy of the state. This research does not attempt to establish a criterion according to which the merit of a given state may be judged, but rather only to demonstrate that the state is, in every case, the mechanism by which the politically powerful impose their will upon society at large.
This presentation is part of the following collection of related materials.
UNT Undergraduate Student Works
This collection presents scholarly and artistic content created by undergraduate students. All materials have been previously accepted by a professional organization or approved by a faculty mentor. Most classroom assignments are not eligible for inclusion. The collection includes, but is not limited to Honors College theses, thesis supplemental files, professional presentations, articles, and posters. Some items in this collection are restricted to use by the UNT community.