Michael Huemer is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Colorado at Boulder, USA, where he has worked since 1998. He is the author of Skepticism and the Veil of Perception and Ethical Intuitionism , as well as more than 40 articles in ethics, epistemology, political philosophy, and metaphysics.

'Huemer has produced not just a brilliant work of political philosophy, but a gripping page-turner. With an engaging style and sharp wit, Huemer demolishes two entrenched dogmas: that we have a duty to obey the law, and the state has the right to force us to obey. Huemer's conclusions may be controversial, but he makes them seem like commonsense.' - Jason Brennan, Georgetown University, USA 'Michael Huemer is my favorite philosopher. The Problem of Political Authority is his best book yet. Using moral premises you probably already accept, and clear but subtle arguments, Huemer leads you step-by-step to a radical yet compelling conclusion: government as we know it is an unnecessary evil. If you're tired of political books that merely preach to the choir, prepare to be amazed.' - Bryan Caplan, George Mason University, USA

• Analytical Contents Preface PART I:THE ILLUSION OF AUTHORITY The Problem of Political Authority The Traditional Social Contract Theory The Hypothetical Social Contract Theory The Authority of Democracy Consequentialism and Fairness The Psychology of Authority What If There Is No Authority? PART II: SOCIETY WITHOUT AUTHORITY Evaluating Social Theories The Logic of Predation Individual Security in a Stateless Society Criminal Justice and Dispute Resolution War and Societal Defense From Democracy to Anarchy References Index