Political Reasons and the Limits of Political Authority

Abstract Authority is a normative power to create duties in others. The most plausible accounts of this general relate it existing reasons the subjects authority have with which authoritative directives can help them comply. Such lead some theorists ascribe morally ambitious function political institutions. This article argues against such theories. It defends as modest power, constrained by type its account differs from other liberal views limits imposes on exercise authority. casts doubt familiar that protect an individual private sphere. Instead, condition moderation. suggests legitimate exercises should leave space for individuals be motivated institutions do not and mediate them.