Explicit
What makes a government "legitimate"? And what do the Founding Fathers and the Bolsheviks have in common?
Explicit
Philosophy Club! by Philosophy Club Members
Episode notes
Happy Independence Day! In this episode, Aaqib, Ben, Ian, Logan, Mackenzie and Michael discuss what makes a government a government, and how in a moment of crisis, taking up the mantle of power gives an initial semblance of legitimacy. Or is legitimacy just a Phony-Bologna concept? They argue over whether there is a meaningful distinction between gangs and a government, and what that might come from. They ask is it possible to organize a government without the use of force? Is force distinct from violence? And what is there a relation between expectations and responsibilities? I'm happy to report we successfully answered one of these questions.
Keywords
philosophybenlawamericagovernmentmax weberlegitimacymonopoly of legitimate violence