Mistaken Authority and Obligation

VENEZIA, LUCIANO

Ámsterdam

Workshop; Political Philosophy Workshop: "Representation, Legitimacy, and Authority"; 2019

Department of Political Science, University of Amsterdam

I argue that a legitimate authority can sometimes make mistakes, including serious moral mistakes, and yet act within the scope of her authority. This, however, does not entail that those subject to that authority are duty-bound to obey the orders. I develop my position by first showing that the opposing view, recently defended by Massimo Renzo, is not correct.