Civil disobedience
- Resistance to government
- Mass protests
- Civil resistance
Nature
Civil disobedience is any act of public defiance of a law, practice or policy of authorities, if that act is premeditated, known by the actor to be illegal, and done for public reasons. Civil disobedience may be direct as was the case of Henry David Thoreau's refusal to pay his poll tax. It may be indirect, such as, burning draft cards in protest against the war in Vietnam.
Claim
Nothing at all will be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome. (Samuel Johnson).
Counter-claim
Civil disobedience is often overstated as a significant issue. In a democratic society, laws exist to maintain order and protect rights; breaking them undermines the very fabric of governance. Instead of fostering change, civil disobedience can lead to chaos and division. There are established channels for reform that should be prioritized. Focusing on constructive dialogue and legal avenues is far more effective than romanticizing lawbreaking as a noble act.
Broader
Narrower
Aggravates
Aggravated by
Related
Strategy
Value
Reference
SDG
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(C) Cross-sectoral problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
Content quality
Presentable
Language
English
1A4N
C0690
DOCID
11306900
D7NID
136934
Last update
Feb 4, 2024