The Problem of Political Obligation (Paperback)

Carole Pateman

ISBN 10: 0745601359 / ISBN 13: 9780745601359

Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd, Oxford, 1985

About this Item

Paperback. It is usually taken for granted that, in liberal democracies, a bond of political obligation exists between citizens and the state. The substantive, and controversial, argument of this book is that political obligation constitutes an insoluble problem in the liberal democratic state. It is argued that the problem can be solved only within the context of a participatory democratic system. In reaching this conclusion Carole Pateman offers a general assessment of liberal theory and an interpretation of all the familiar arguments about political obligation and democratic consent. Current controversies about democracy and political obligation are fully discussed in the light of both philosophical debate and empirical evidence from research in the social sciences. The Problem of Political Obligation was first published in 1979. This new edition retains the original text but includes a substantial new chapter which clarifies further the central themes of the work. It is usually taken for granted that, in liberal democracies, a bond of political a obligationa exists between citizens and the state. The substantive, and controversial, argument of this book is that political obligation constitutes an insoluble problem in the liberal democratic state. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780745601359

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Problem of Political Obligation (Paperback)
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd, Oxford
• Publication Date: 1985
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0745601359
• ISBN 13: 9780745601359
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

It is usually taken for granted that, in liberal democracies, a bond of political ‘obligation’ exists between citizens and the state. The substantive, and controversial, argument of this book is that political obligation constitutes an insoluble problem in the liberal democratic state. It is argued that the problem can be solved only within the context of a participatory democratic system. In reaching this conclusion Carole Pateman offers a general assessment of liberal theory and an interpretation of all the familiar arguments about political obligation and democratic consent. Current controversies about ‘democracy’ and political obligation are fully discussed in the light of both philosophical debate and empirical evidence from research in the social sciences. The Problem of Political Obligation was first published in 1979. This new edition retains the original text but includes a substantial new chapter which clarifies further the central themes of the work.

About the Author

Carole Pateman is a feminist and political theorist. She is known as a critic of liberal democracy and has been a member of the British Academy since 2007.