Why Law Matters for Our Obligations

14 Pages Posted: 22 Oct 2016

See all articles by Guyora Binder

Guyora Binder

University at Buffalo Law School

Date Written: 2015

Abstract

Political philosophers have long debated the problem of political and legal obligation: how the existence of a political community and its laws can affect our obligations. This paper applies Alon Harel’s argument that law has intrinsic value to this venerable problem. It interprets Harel’s argument as a Kantian claim that law enables us to treat our fellows with the respect they deserve, by requiring us not only to treat them decently, but to recognize decent treatment as their right.

Keywords: jurisprudence, obligation, political philosophy, rights

Suggested Citation

Binder, Guyora, Why Law Matters for Our Obligations (2015). Critical Analysis of Law 2:2 (2015), University at Buffalo School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2016-032, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2856534

Guyora Binder (Contact Author)

University at Buffalo Law School ( email )

528 O'Brian Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260-1100
United States
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