Civil disobedience 2

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What is civil disobedience?

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Civil disobedience is the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands, and commands of a government or occupying power, often characterized by nonviolent resistance.

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Who is a prominent advocate of civil disobedience?

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Henry David Thoreau is a prominent advocate of civil disobedience, known for his essay 'Civil Disobedience'.

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What is the main argument of Thoreau's 'Civil Disobedience'?

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Thoreau argues that individuals should not allow governments to overrule or atrophy their consciences.

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What does Thoreau believe about majority rule?

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Thoreau believes that majority rule is often based on expediency and self-interest rather than justice and morality.

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What is the significance of individual conscience in civil disobedience?

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Individual conscience is significant in civil disobedience as it guides individuals to act against unjust laws.

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What does Thoreau mean by 'the character of the voters is not staked'?

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It means that voters are not personally invested in the outcomes of their votes, which can lead to irresponsible decision-making.

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What type of questions does Thoreau believe should be decided by majority rule?

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Thoreau believes that only questions of public policy should be decided by majority rule.

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How does Thoreau view the American character in relation to social tendencies?

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Thoreau suggests that Americans are characterized by social tendencies but often lack intellect and self-reliance.

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What is the relationship between civil disobedience and justice?

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Civil disobedience is often a response to perceived injustices, where individuals act to uphold their moral beliefs against unjust laws.

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What role does nonviolence play in civil disobedience?

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Nonviolence is a key principle in civil disobedience, emphasizing peaceful resistance to injustice.