국가의 규범적 이해를 위한 분석의 틀

The purpose of this paper is to suggest an analytic framework for normative understanding of the state. What should the state be? What kind of relationship should the state have with its subjects? What should the state do? This paper does not suggest an answer to these questions, but suggests a framework with which to understand systematically the meaning of these questions. Having distinguished the dimension of the state into the existence of the state, the relationship between the state and the subjects, and the activities of the state, this paper defines the conceptions of the state as political power, political authority, and government. It is suggested that we can morally evaluate the different conceptions of the state in accordance with the moral standards such as legitimacy, reciprocity, and accountability respectively. That is, this paper suggests and explains legitimacy that the state should obtain when it claims the supreme and exclusive power, reciprocity that the state should have when it exercises authority against its subjects, and accountability that the state should meet when it rules over its subjects in many ways. In addition, various subjects are introduced for discussing each dimension of the state. The relationship and the priority of the three standards are briefly addressed in conclusion.