Render unto Caesar the Things that Are Caesar's
In the context of contemporary societies, characterized by globalization, digitalization, and the increasing mediation of both natural and artificial intelligences, the role of the State and the nature of political obedience have been the subject of renewed theoretical scrutiny. This essay aims to examine, from a political-philosophical perspective, the dynamics of state power and its legitimacy, as well as its relationship with social justice, using Rawlsian theory as its central framework. This choice of framework is not arbitrary: at a historical moment when tensions between authority and equity have become particularly acute, the thought of John Rawls offers relevant conceptual tools for analyzing the normative foundations of obedience and political organization.
This work is not limited to a mere description of political phenomena but seeks to delve into their philosophical implications, establishing an internal coherence between two core concepts: political power and social justice. The central hypothesis guiding this research posits that the legitimacy of the modern state depends not only on its coercive capacity but also on its ability to articulate a project of justice that is acceptable from a moral point of view. To demonstrate this, the tensions between technocracy and democracy, between sovereignty and pluralism, and between legality and legitimacy will be critically analyzed, engaging in a dialogue with classical and contemporary authors such as Hobbes, Schmitt, Lefort, and Rawls himself.
The structure of the essay follows a progressive development. First, the nature of political power and the conditions of its legitimacy are examined, exploring how the State monopolizes coercion within a given territory and how this monopoly can be justified or challenged. Subsequently, the contributions of various political philosophers whose reflections illuminate the dilemmas of obedience in complex societies are addressed. Finally, the relationship between war, political enmity, and justice is problematized, concluding with a reflection on the possibility of a conception of social justice that transcends the framework of positive law and is founded on universal ethical principles.
The ultimate goal of this work is to offer a contribution that is not only academic but also socially significant to the debate surrounding political obedience. In a world where traditional institutions face growing skepticism, it is imperative to rethink the foundations of authority and justice, not as theoretical abstractions, but as pillars of sustainable democratic coexistence. Through rigorous and critical analysis, this essay aspires to be a contribution in that direction.
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