Authority and Democracy (Routledge Library Editions: Political Science Volume 5)

by April Carter

Overview

This book debates the nature and functions of authority: it examines how far our inherited images of authority derive from an aristocratic and traditional order and considers which models of authority are still relevant in a democratic and rationalist society. It discusses the characteristics of the authority relationship, whether political authority differs from other kinds of authority, how authority relates to power and whether authority should be distinguished from the concept of legitimate rule.

The latter part of the book explores the relevance or irrelevance of authority in contemporary society. In particular it examines recent libertarian arguments for the rejection of all forms of authority and the special problems of creating and maintaining authority after revolution.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415555357
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/06/2009
Series:	Routledge Library Editions: Political Science
Pages:	102
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1. Authority in the Ancien Régime 2. Defining Authority 3. The Nature of Political Authority 4. Political Authority and Political Power 5. Authority in the Modern World 6. Authority and Revolution

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

'This is a lively and lucid exposition of the concept and problem of authority in political and social life.’ – Political Studies, 28, 1980

Editorial Reviews

'This is a lively and lucid exposition of the concept and problem of authority in political and social life.’ – Political Studies, 28, 1980

From the Publisher