EasterBlack-owned or founded brands at TargetGroceryClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesBabyHomeFurnitureKitchen & DiningOutdoor Living & GardenToysElectronicsVideo GamesMovies, Music & BooksSports & OutdoorsBeautyPersonal CareHealthPetsHousehold EssentialsArts, Crafts & SewingSchool & Office SuppliesParty SuppliesLuggageGift IdeasGift CardsClearanceTarget New ArrivalsTarget Finds#TargetStyleTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores

The Dilemma of Authority - (Social and Political Power) by Allyn Fives (Hardcover)

The Dilemma of Authority - (Social and Political Power) by  Allyn Fives (Hardcover) - 1 of 1
$130.00 when purchased online
Target Online store #3991

About this item

Highlights

  • This book analyses the so-called moral problem of authority, which is the challenge of reconciling legitimate authority (the right to rule) with the demands of freedom and rationality.
  • About the Author: Allyn Fives is a Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Galway.
  • 264 Pages
  • Philosophy, Political
  • Series Name: Social and Political Power

Description



About the Book



The moral problem of authority is the challenge of reconciling legitimate authority (the right to rule) with the demands of freedom and rationality. In this book, it is argued that authority can have legitimacy, but when it does it generates a moral dilemma, where the obligation to obey comes at some cost to freedom and reason.



Book Synopsis



This book analyses the so-called moral problem of authority, which is the challenge of reconciling legitimate authority (the right to rule) with the demands of freedom and rationality. It offers a critique of authority sceptics, both anarchist and non-anarchist, who insist that authority can never have legitimacy. It also points to problems with many conventional defences of authority, including those of deliberative democracy, which assume that insofar as authority is legitimate it simply satisfies the demands of freedom or rationality. In this book, through a close engagement with the work of Joseph Raz in particular, it is argued that authority can have legitimacy, but when it does it generates a moral dilemma, where the obligation to obey comes at some cost to freedom and reason.



From the Back Cover



The moral problem of authority is the challenge of reconciling legitimate authority (the right to rule) with the demands of freedom and rationality. In this book, it is argued that authority can have legitimacy, but when it does it generates a moral dilemma, where the obligation to obey comes at some cost to freedom and reason. Hence, not only does this book depart from the views of those who insist that authority can never have legitimacy, but also those who maintain that insofar as authority is legitimate it simply satisfies the demands of freedom or rationality. The book examines both what it is that justifies authority (in particular focusing on membership, and the goods of membership) as well as what type of reason an authoritative directive is, how it can come into conflict with other reasons, and how those conflicts are resolved. A central concern therefore is rationality, the kinds of reasons we give in politics, and how those reasons operate: an authoritative directive is a reason that operates by excluding other reasons, but it too can be defeated by conflicting reasons. In fact, when authority has legitimacy, it is the focal point of moral conflict. Therefore, although this book offers a novel defence of authority itself, it does so as part of a value pluralist account that highlights the tragic nature of our experience where we often must do some wrong no matter what we do.



About the Author



Allyn Fives is a Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Galway.
Dimensions (Overall): 9.21 Inches (H) x 6.14 Inches (W)
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 264
Genre: Philosophy
Sub-Genre: Political
Series Title: Social and Political Power
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Format: Hardcover
Author: Allyn Fives
Language: English
Street Date: May 12, 2026
TCIN: 1004266349
UPC: 9781526193094
Item Number (DPCI): 247-38-1102
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1 inches length x 6.14 inches width x 9.21 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

Related Categories

Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

Privacy policy

Footer

About Us

About TargetCareersNews & BlogTarget BrandsBullseye ShopSustainability & GovernancePress CenterAdvertise with UsInvestorsAffiliates & PartnersSuppliersTargetPlus

Help

Target HelpReturnsTrack OrdersRecallsContact UsFeedbackAccessibilitySecurity & FraudTeam Member ServicesLegal & Privacy

Stores

Find a StoreClinicPharmacyTarget OpticalMore In-Store Services

Services

Target Circle™Target Circle™ CardTarget Circle 360™Target AppRegistrySame Day DeliveryOrder PickupDrive UpFree 2-Day ShippingShipping & DeliveryMore Services
PinterestFacebookInstagramXYoutubeTiktokTermsCA Supply ChainPrivacy PolicyCA Privacy RightsYour Privacy ChoicesInterest Based AdsHealth Privacy Policy