Thursday, April 17, 2008

warranted civil disobedience

An immoral or unjust law is any regulation which is ethically questionable that is set by a government which seeks to demean an individual or group of citizens. So, I am forced to agree with St. Augustine that an unjust law is no law as it does not uplift or support the growth or development of a people. In situations such as slavery, apartheid in South Africa where unjust laws ruled supreme and the lack of government consideration were warranted occasions for civil disobedience. As all other avenues failed and civil disobedience which stresses non-violence and seeks not to overthrow the government but specific issues of concerns was the next best option. Others might say if the end justifies as if everyone broke a law that they thought to be unjust then there would be civil unrest and lawlessness but what would be the situation if there was no civil disobedience by Rosa Parks, women not able to vote, factory workers being paid unfair wages and in unsafe environments, or the Indians campaign for independence against the British these are all events that are engraved in history that has brought about necessary changes for the progress of our civilized society. So yes the ends does justifies the means as all our lives have been affected in great ways as if it wasn’t for civil disobedience I would not be doing an online course and learning about phenomenal ideas and preparing to positively impact society.

1 comment:

Professor Roger said...

You speak passionately about this subject, and it was enjoyable to read your thoughts about this