Rawls Flashcards
What is civil disobedience according to Rawls?
- A public, nonviolent, and conscientious act that violates the law to protest injustice.
- Aimed at bringing about change in laws or policies.
- Appeals to the sense of justice of the majority rather than seeking personal gain.
How does civil disobedience differ from other forms of protest?
Legal protest = Works within the law (e.g., petitions, demonstrations).
Civil disobedience = Breaks the law but remains nonviolent and public.
Militant action = Seeks to overthrow the system rather than appeal to its justice.
What are the three conditions for justified civil disobedience?
1️⃣ Clear and Substantial Injustice
Targets serious violations of justice, such as denial of equal rights.
Example: Racial segregation, voter suppression, suppression of religious freedoms.
2️⃣ Failure of Legal Means
Legal channels (e.g., courts, petitions) must have been tried and proven ineffective.
However, extreme injustices may justify skipping legal processes.
3️⃣ Fidelity to Law
Must respect the legal system while opposing specific laws.
Must be public, nonviolent, and accept legal consequences.
Why is civil disobedience nonviolent?
To demonstrate sincerity and moral commitment.
To appeal to the public’s sense of justice rather than using force.
To avoid undermining the legal system while still challenging specific laws.
What is the role of civil disobedience in a democracy?
It helps correct injustices while respecting the overall legal framework.
It reinforces justice by reminding the majority of moral commitments.
A well-ordered society should allow dissent to ensure long-term stability.
What are the limits of civil disobedience?
If too many groups engage in civil disobedience, it can cause social disorder.
Ideally, dissenting groups should coordinate to prevent excessive disruption.
Actions must be carefully framed to ensure they appeal to public reason rather than provoke repression.
How does civil disobedience compare to militant action?
Civil disobedience = Works within a democratic framework, seeking reform.
Militant action = Rejects the system’s legitimacy, aiming for overthrow or radical change.
Rawls’ focus = Civil disobedience is only justified in a “nearly just” society, not in cases requiring revolution.
