If subjects retain full discretion to evaluate each directive on its merits, the practical difference between authority and mere advice collapses, as Wolff argued in 'In Defense of Anarchism'.
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Judging something based on its own individual qualities and reasons, rather than just accepting it because you're told to.
Practical difference(as used in philosophy)
A real, meaningful difference in how things actually work in everyday life (as opposed to just in theory).
Robert Nozick(named as a key figure in individualist philosophy)
An American philosopher (1938-2002) who argued that individuals have strong rights to their property and freedom, and that governments should be minimal and not redistribute wealth.
Robert Paul Wolff(as the author of the work referenced in the statement)
An American philosopher best known for writing 'In Defense of Anarchism,' a short book arguing that political authority and individual freedom cannot truly be compatible.
authority(as another method a physician might use to ensure patients comply with treatment)
The power or right to make decisions and have others follow them, based on expertise or position. A doctor has authority because of their medical knowledge.
directive(Leśniewskian formal systems)
A rule that lays down what may be admitted as the next thesis after a given sequence of theses in a logical system
discretion(John of Salisbury's ethical theory; identified as the origin and source of moderation)
The capacity to draw proper distinctions between virtuous and vicious actions by attending to time, place, amount, person, and cause