The paper analyses whether analogies between the state/citizen relation and the parent/child relation are strong enough to explain why citizens are obliged to obey the state's imposed laws.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Does a state have a parental role?
- The state/citizen relation
- The parent/child relation
- The state/citizen relation and the parent/child relation
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the relationship between citizens and the state by exploring the idea of whether the state can be considered to have a parental role. It aims to determine if the state/citizen relationship is a valid analogy to the parent/child relationship in terms of obeying the law.
- The nature of political obligation and the justification of state power
- The role of consent in the state/citizen relationship
- The potential for abuse of power by the state
- The comparison between the state/citizen relationship and the parent/child relationship
- The limitations of the parental analogy in understanding political obligation
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The essay begins by introducing the idea of a state's parental role and its implications for citizen obligation. It then examines the nature of the parent/child relationship, exploring the moral obligations and potential for conflict within this dynamic. The third section delves into the state/citizen relationship, comparing it to the parent/child relationship and highlighting similarities and differences. The essay concludes by arguing against the validity of the state/citizen analogy, suggesting that the state's heterogeneity and potential for corruption make it an unsuitable model for understanding political obligation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay focuses on the key concepts of political obligation, state power, consent, parental analogy, and the relationship between citizens and the state. It explores the implications of these concepts for understanding the nature of government and the responsibilities of individuals within a political system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the state be compared to a parent?
The paper explores the parental analogy, which suggests that citizens have an obligation to obey the state much like children obey their parents. However, it ultimately argues that this analogy has significant limitations.
Why should citizens obey the law?
The essay examines the nature of political obligation and whether it is justified through consent or through an inherent role the state plays in the lives of its citizens.
What are the dangers of the parental state analogy?
One major concern is the potential for the abuse of power. Unlike parents, the state is a heterogeneous entity that can become corrupt, making the "parental" justification for absolute obedience problematic.
Does consent play a role in state authority?
Yes, the role of consent is a key theme in the essay, as it contrasts with the non-consensual nature of the parent-child relationship.
Is the parent/child relation a valid model for political obligation?
The conclusion of the paper argues against the validity of this analogy, emphasizing that the complexities of modern states and the potential for systemic corruption differ fundamentally from the family dynamic.
- Quote paper
- Mark-Oliver Morkos (Author), 2013, Does a state have a parental role?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/279551
