This special workshop explores the foundations and limitations of democratic authority. It is commonly asserted that decisions made through democratic processes have authority, and therefore those subject to them have an obligation to obey. Some argue that procedural values inherent in a democratic decision-making procedure, such as equality, autonomy, and fairness, provide the basis for this authority. Others argue that democratic processes have instrumental values as a means to generate good results, such as providing correct solutions, promoting peace, cultivating participants, and reducing domination. Our main task is to compare and examine the grounds of democratic authority.

To accomplish this task, it is important to consider the boundaries of democratic authority. These boundaries include:
• foreigners: Do foreigners have a moral obligation to obey the law in addition to their legal obligation? Should they be granted suffrage in elections based on their legal obligation?
• minors (Do minors have an obligation to obey the laws of their state, even though they are born into it?)
• authoritarian regimes (Do the foundations of democratic authority reject the legitimate authority of authoritarian regimes?)
• experts (How can democratic authority be reconciled with the authority of experts?)

This special workshop is a continuation of IVR special workshops on political obligation. We would like to hear from speakers who are interested with an interest in the questions about democratic authority. Please send abstracts (about 300 words) to the convenor by March 1st, 2024.