The opposite mirrors : an essay on the conventionalist theory of institutions

Bibliographic Information

The opposite mirrors : an essay on the conventionalist theory of institutions

Eerik Lagerspetz

(Law and philosophy library, v. 22)

Kluwer Academic Publishers, c1995

Available at  / 8 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Note

Based on author's thesis (Ph. D.)--Univ. of Turku

Includes bibliographical references (p. 214-226) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

How do social institutions exist? How do they direct our conduct? The Opposite Mirrors defends the thesis that the existence of institutions is a conventional matter. Ultimately they exist because we believe in their existence, and because they play a role in our practical reasoning. Human action necessarily has an unpredictable aspect; human institutions perform an important task by reducing uncertainty in our interactions. The author applies this thesis to the most important institutions: the law and the monetary system. In his analysis he connects many traditional topics of the philosophy of law, social philosophy and the philosophy of social sciences in a new way. He discusses the nature of rules, authority, and power and analyzes the Hobbesian presuppositions which have been dominant in legal theory and in the economic analyses of the state. The book is written for legal theorists as well as for political and social philosophers, and theoretically oriented social scientists.

Table of Contents

1. Methodological Remarks. 2. Game Theory and Mutual Beliefs. 3. An Example: Money. 4. The Concept of Authority. 5. Authority and Coordination. 6. Foundations of Legal Systems. 7. Conventionalism and Law. 8. Efficacy and Obligation. 9. The Role of Force. 10. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index of Names.

by "Nielsen BookData"

Related Books: 1-1 of 1

  • Law and philosophy library

    D. Reidel , Kluwer Academic Publishers , Kluwer Law International , Springer

    Available at 1 libraries

Details

Page Top