A Theory of Political Obligation

Margaret Gilbert offers an incisive new approach to a classic problem of political philosophy: when and why should I do what the law tells me to do? Do I have special obligations to conform to the laws of my own country and if so why? In what sense if any must I fight in wars in which my country is engaged if ordered to do so or suffer the penalty for law breaking--including the death penalty? Gilbert''s accessible book offers a provocative and compelling case in favor of citizens'' obligations to the state while examining how these can be squared with self-interest and other competing considerations.