
Contents
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Introduction Introduction
-
19.1 Command 19.1 Command
-
19.2 Requests 19.2 Requests
-
19.3 The Assumption of Responsibility 19.3 The Assumption of Responsibility
-
19.4 Qualifications and Contrasts 19.4 Qualifications and Contrasts
-
19.5 Liberty 19.5 Liberty
-
19.6 Conclusion 19.6 Conclusion
-
References References
-
-
-
-
-
-
Cite
Abstract
Raz observes that a command “removes the decision from one person to another,” and he seeks to explain that in terms of the special kind of reason it creates. The reason provided by a command is a “protected reason” that involves not just a first-order reason to conform, but also second-order exclusionary reasons not to act on first-order reasons that count against conformity. This chapter raises two problems for this account. First, the apparatus of exclusion applies to any obligation, not just the products of binding commands. Second, focusing solely on obligation’s role in practical deliberation, Raz omits the reactive side of obligation (i.e., the aptness of blame reactions). Thus, he overlooks the fact that the “removal of decision” also involves an assumption of responsibility for compliance, something missing from other cases of obligation created by an exercise of a normative power like a binding promise. Following Hobbes, this chapter argues that the subordinate’s obedience to a binding command is imputable to the authority that issues it. The responsibility-depriving character of obedience explains two further facts about command. First, people have a special objection to being ordered around, beyond any desire they may have to be free of obligation. Second, those with the power of command are usually entitled to enforce their commands should their subordinate be reluctant to comply. This makes sense if the right to use force is, in part, a right to deprive your subordinate of responsibility for compliance.
Sign in
Personal account
- Sign in with email/username & password
- Get email alerts
- Save searches
- Purchase content
- Activate your purchase/trial code
- Add your ORCID iD
Purchase
Our books are available by subscription or purchase to libraries and institutions.
Purchasing informationMonth: | Total Views: |
---|---|
April 2025 | 33 |
May 2025 | 14 |
Get help with access
Institutional access
Access to content on Oxford Academic is often provided through institutional subscriptions and purchases. If you are a member of an institution with an active account, you may be able to access content in one of the following ways:
IP based access
Typically, access is provided across an institutional network to a range of IP addresses. This authentication occurs automatically, and it is not possible to sign out of an IP authenticated account.
Sign in through your institution
Choose this option to get remote access when outside your institution. Shibboleth/Open Athens technology is used to provide single sign-on between your institution’s website and Oxford Academic.
If your institution is not listed or you cannot sign in to your institution’s website, please contact your librarian or administrator.
Sign in with a library card
Enter your library card number to sign in. If you cannot sign in, please contact your librarian.
Society Members
Society member access to a journal is achieved in one of the following ways:
Sign in through society site
Many societies offer single sign-on between the society website and Oxford Academic. If you see ‘Sign in through society site’ in the sign in pane within a journal:
If you do not have a society account or have forgotten your username or password, please contact your society.
Sign in using a personal account
Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members. See below.
Personal account
A personal account can be used to get email alerts, save searches, purchase content, and activate subscriptions.
Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members.
Viewing your signed in accounts
Click the account icon in the top right to:
Signed in but can't access content
Oxford Academic is home to a wide variety of products. The institutional subscription may not cover the content that you are trying to access. If you believe you should have access to that content, please contact your librarian.
Institutional account management
For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management. Here you will find options to view and activate subscriptions, manage institutional settings and access options, access usage statistics, and more.