Greenwalt modifies his position that civil disobedience is justified if it probably makes a contribution to the social good large enough to outweigh the moral duty to obey the law . He also argues that “the law should be obeyed because individual judgement is unreliable” (Greenwalt, 1970, p. 345).
Is civil disobedience morally justified?
Civil disobedience in a democracy is not morally justified because it poses an unacceptable threat to the rule of law. In a democracy, minority groups have basic rights and alternatives to civil disobedience. as freedoms of speech, press, association, and religion.
Civil disobedience may be direct and indirect. ... So far as civil disobedience is addressed, according to Rawls, to the sense of justice of a community, it is justified when it is directed against the cases of serious violation of basic rights evident to all .
Why is civil disobedience not justified?
That is, in such circumstances civil disobedience is not justified. This is not because the government has authority , as both Jason and I agree that it has none. ... If an act of civil disobedience were to cause significant harm to other people, then the act might be morally impermissible.
When can civil disobedience be justified?
Many types of objections to civil disobedience have been raised, often based on the view that citizens in a democracy are obliged to obey the law. However, none of these objections are decisive against every act of civil justification. Thus, civil disobedience may be morally justified , even in a democracy.
What are the three types of civil disobedience?
- Sabotage of trade and business activity. Actions include disrupting trade, boycotts of products and deliberate damaging of goods. ...
- Labour resistance. ...
- Breaking unfair laws.
Is civil disobedience good or bad?
Civil Disobedience is effective because it creates a lose-lose situation for whatever Power the Disobedience is directed towards. If the Disobedience is ignored, then the Power is admitting defeat and allowing for further disobedience.
How effective is civil disobedience?
Non-violent civil disobedience is effective because it emphasizes a group’s proposed injustice within an institution , while directly appealing to the different ethical systems of individual citizens.
Is civil disobedience a crime?
Civil disobedience is a symbolic or ritualistic violation of the law rather than a rejection of the system as a whole. ... It is because acts associated with civil disobedience are considered crimes , however, and known by actor and public alike to be punishable, that such acts serve as a protest.
Is civil disobedience illegal?
Essentially, civil disobedience is illegal non-violent political action , done for moral reasons (this distinguishes it from crime).
What are the two main claims of civil disobedience?
Thoreau argues that there are two laws: the laws of men and the higher laws of God and humanity . If the laws of men are unjust, then one has every right to disobey them.
What are the main causes of civil disobedience movement?
CIVIL DISOBEDIANCE movement started mainly due to the SALT SATYAGRAHA which was held by 1930 march 12th near dandi. started SALT SATYAGRAHA OR SALT MARCH with the main ideology of againist the BRITISH LAW on heavy tax on salt .It is a non violent protest.
What is the main aim of civil disobedience movement?
The Civil Disobedience Movement aimed at complete refusal of cooperation to the British and hinder the functioning of the government . It also aimed at refusal to paying taxes, boycotting government institutions and foreign goods. However, the Congress had little success in this initiative.
Why civil disobedience is good in a democracy?
Civil disobedience is an important part of a democratic country because it is one of the driving factors that allow individuals to exercise their rights to free speech and speak up against an unfair and unjust government and its laws .
Is it OK to disobey unjust laws?
In short, if anybody ever has a right to break the law, this cannot be a legal right under the law. It has to be a moral right against the law. And this moral right is not an unlimited right to disobey any law which one regards as unjust.
What are the four features of civil disobedience?
(i) The most widespread non-violent mass movement led by Gandhiji. (ii) Large scale participation of women. (iii) Support given by commercial classes. (iv) Workers’ participation in the movement, selectively adopting some of the ideas of Gandhian programme strikes of railways and dock workers.
