Pragmatism and Associative Political Obligations.

The article focuses on defending the associative thesis of political obligation, which holds that individuals bear moral duties simply by virtue of their membership in a particular political community. It interprets this thesis as a metaethical claim grounded in a pragmatist account of normativity, justification, and moral knowledge, emphasizing that norms exist and are justified within specific social practices of holding individuals accountable. This pragmatist reading addresses common criticisms of associative obligations—such as the challenge of distinguishing genuine obligations from mere beliefs—and highlights how political obligations are understood and contested through ongoing communal practices rather than by appeal to external, practice-independent moral principles. The article further explains that political obligations and their justifications vary according to the regulative ideals attributed to particular communities, allowing for diverse interpretations and forms of skepticism within political life.