Political Obligation

John Locke argued that individuals enter into a social contract with the government in order to protect their natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property.

Hobbes believed that the state is necessary to prevent a state of nature, in which individuals are constantly in conflict with each other.

Rousseau argued that individuals are obligated to obey the state because they have consented to its authority through the social contract.

Du Bois identified voluntary obligation, legal obligation, and moral obligation as the three types of political obligation.

Arendt's theory of political obligation focuses on the nature of political authority and how it is justified.

Rawls argued that individuals are obligated to obey the state because it is the only institution that can ensure justice for all.

Nozick argued that individuals are not obligated to obey the state because it is not legitimate, as it does not respect individual rights.

Kant argued that individuals are obligated to obey the state even if they disagree with its laws because it is their duty to respect the law.

Shklar argued that individuals are obligated to obey the state because it is the lesser of two evils, as the alternative is anarchy.

Locke argued that individuals are obligated to obey the state only if it is just, as they have a right to resist an unjust government.

Walzer argued that individuals are obligated to obey the state because it is legitimate, as it is based on the consent of the governed.

Hobbes argued that individuals are obligated to obey the state even if it is unjust, as the alternative is a state of nature, which is worse.

Beitz argued that individuals are obligated to obey the state because it is legitimate, as it is based on the consent of the governed and it respects individual rights.

Rousseau argued that individuals are obligated to obey the state only if it is democratic, as it is the only form of government that is based on the consent of the governed.