Which Perfect World is Best?

In a recent discussion in this space was examined the various possible sources for the authority and legitimacy that separates lawful princes and republics (whom we should rightly obey) from unlawful and illegitimate princes and republics, rightly called tyrannies and totalitarianisms (whom we should take up arms against, and rightly die a hero’s death defying, or a martyr’s disobeying).

The conversation, as expected, foundered on the rocks at low intellectual tide, since the contrary partie...