It seems to me that a prerequisite of having a "just" society would be that the citizens have the right to be civilly disobedient, however is it an obligation of the citizens to disobey the laws once deemed just, in order to further develop the society?
Perhaps it's both.
I think that some “just” laws have needed to be disobeyed in order to improve the society. Silliman’s example of the society that (briefly) agreed with execution for any infractions of the law, comes to mind. Also, abolitionism. My version of a “just” society is a society with the freedom to civilly disagree, legally
ReplyDeleteI am going to go with Ben Franklin on this one and say, "It is the responsibility of every citizen to question authority." I take this to mean, in the case of being civilly disobedient, responsibility and duty go hand-in-hand.
ReplyDeleteIn your idea of a "just" society, it cannot be considered "just" to take away a liberty or right.
Though it may be considered unjust on the part of a government or state to impede on the liberties, is a civilly disobedient act considered just if it too impedes the rights of others?
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