For and against the state : new philosophical readings / edited by John T. Sanders and Jan Narveson.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Who Believes in Political Obligation? / Leslie Green -- 2. Philosophical Anarchism / A. John Simmons -- 3. Why Even Morally Perfect People Would Need Government / Gregory S. Kavka -- 4. Market-Anarchy, Liberty, and Pluralism / Jan Clifford Lester -- 5. Justifying the State / David Schmidtz -- 6. Anarchism and Skepticism / Jonathan Wolff -- 7. Games, Anarchy, and the Nonnecessity of the State / Howard H. Harriott -- 8. Self-Contradictory Contractarianism / Anthony de Jasay -- 9. The Rights of Chickens: Rational Foundations for Libertarianism? / Peter Danielson -- 10. The Anarchist's Case / Jan Narveson -- 11. The State and War Making / Cheyney Ryan -- 12. Anarchy and Efficient Law / David Friedman -- 13. The State of Statelessness / John T. Sanders.

Is government justified? This perennial question is central to political philosophy and has never been more alive than at the present time, in the midst of continuing political and social upheaval worldwide. This collection of new essays by thirteen philosophers addresses questions of political authority in light of recent work in political theory. Whether supporters or critics of the state, the authors make their arguments using up-to-date analytical tools, such as game and decision theory, and the hindsight provided by modern history. For and Against the State will be an important collection for students of philosophy, politics, economics, and history.