Are we obligated to always obey the law? If yes, Are we obligated to always obey the law? If yes, why? If no, what criteria can be used to why? If no, what criteria can be used to determine when disobedience is morally justified? determine when disobedience is morally justified?

Is there a particular issue you feel strongly about Is there a particular issue you feel strongly about that might cause you to engage in an act of civil that might cause you to engage in an act of civil disobedience?disobedience?

Do you believe Thoreau was just in refusing to pay Do you believe Thoreau was just in refusing to pay his taxes in protest of the Mexican-American war?his taxes in protest of the Mexican-American war?

Is Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience Is Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience compatible with democratic government?compatible with democratic government?

Is compromise on moral issues a necessary part of Is compromise on moral issues a necessary part of living with other people?living with other people?

Civil Disobedience Study Civil Disobedience Study Questions: Questions:

1. Is Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience compatible with 1. Is Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience compatible with

democratic government?democratic government?

2. Is compromise on moral issues a necessary part of living 2. Is compromise on moral issues a necessary part of living with other people?with other people?

3. Thoreau asks somewhat rhetorically, “Must the citizen 3. Thoreau asks somewhat rhetorically, “Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislator?” Why or why not?conscience to the legislator?” Why or why not?

4. Which, if any, of Thoreau’s ideas are valuable in the 4. Which, if any, of Thoreau’s ideas are valuable in the context of political activism?context of political activism?

5. According to Thoreau, why do unjust laws exist?5. According to Thoreau, why do unjust laws exist?

6. What do you think Thoreau’s message is when he writes, 6. What do you think Thoreau’s message is when he writes, “After the first blush of sin comes indifference?”“After the first blush of sin comes indifference?”

77. Why does Thoreau think that the rich are least . Why does Thoreau think that the rich are least likely to practice civil disobedience?likely to practice civil disobedience?

8. Is Thoreau an optimist or a pessimist? How so?8. Is Thoreau an optimist or a pessimist? How so?

9. According to Thoreau, why do unjust laws exist?9. According to Thoreau, why do unjust laws exist?

10. What do you think Thoreau’s message is when he 10. What do you think Thoreau’s message is when he writes, “After the first blush of sin comes writes, “After the first blush of sin comes indifference?”indifference?”