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Fair‐Play Obligations

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  • Daniel McDermott

Abstract

The fair‐play theory of political obligation holds that citizens incur obligations to obey the law as a result of gaining important benefits from their political communities. In this essay, I argue that the fair‐play theory fails in large part because it relies on a flawed understanding of the way in which free‐riding is morally wrong. Starting with the assumption that those who benefit from the efforts of others have a moral reason to reciprocate, at least under some circumstances, I show that the fair‐play theorists’ claim that this reason is grounded in a right to reciprocation, which the providers gain, does not succeed. Therefore this theory cannot provide an adequate explanation of how citizens incur political obligations.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel McDermott, 2004. "Fair‐Play Obligations," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 52(2), pages 216-232, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:polstu:v:52:y:2004:i:2:p:216-232
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9248.2004.00476.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George Klosko, 1998. "Fixed Content of Political Obligations," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 46(1), pages 53-67, March.
    2. Richard Dagger, 2000. "Membership, Fair Play, and Political Obligation," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 48(1), pages 104-117, March.
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