Exam 6: The Search for the Just Society

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The five arguments commonly used to defend the permissibility of civil disobedience are:

1. Moral Duty: This argument asserts that individuals have a moral duty to disobey unjust laws or government actions in order to uphold higher moral principles or values. It is based on the idea that individuals have a responsibility to act in accordance with their conscience, even if it means breaking the law.

2. Nonviolent Resistance: This argument emphasizes the importance of nonviolent civil disobedience as a means of challenging unjust laws or government actions. It is based on the belief that nonviolent resistance can be a powerful tool for social and political change, and that it is morally superior to violent forms of protest.

3. Democratic Deficit: This argument suggests that civil disobedience is justified when there is a "democratic deficit," meaning that the normal democratic processes are not functioning effectively or are unable to address the injustice in question. It is based on the idea that civil disobedience can serve as a way to bring attention to and address systemic flaws in the democratic system.

4. Last Resort: This argument posits that civil disobedience is permissible only when all other legal and political avenues for addressing injustice have been exhausted. It is based on the idea that civil disobedience should be a last resort when all other options have been tried and failed.

5. Symbolic Protest: This argument argues that civil disobedience is justified as a form of symbolic protest, designed to draw attention to an injustice and inspire others to take action. It is based on the belief that civil disobedience can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness and mobilizing public opinion.

In terms of strength, the moral duty argument is often considered the strongest, as it appeals to fundamental moral principles and the idea that individuals have a responsibility to act in accordance with their conscience. This argument can be compelling in cases where the law or government actions clearly violate widely held moral values.

On the other hand, the weakest argument may be the symbolic protest argument, as it can be seen as less directly tied to the moral imperative of challenging unjust laws or government actions. While symbolic protest can be powerful in raising awareness, it may be less persuasive in justifying the actual act of civil disobedience.

Ultimately, the strength of each argument may depend on the specific context and circumstances of the civil disobedience in question.

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Plato was opposed to democracy because he believed that it led to a society ruled by the uneducated and unqualified. He thought that democracy allowed for the rule of the majority, which could lead to decisions being made based on the desires of the masses rather than what is truly just and beneficial for the society as a whole.

Instead of democracy, Plato advocated for a system of government led by philosopher-kings, who were the most educated and wise individuals in society. He believed that these philosopher-kings should rule alongside a class of auxiliaries, who were responsible for defending the city, and a class of producers, who were responsible for providing for the material needs of the society.

In Plato's ideal society, the three classes served different functions and had different qualities. The philosopher-kings were the rulers and were chosen based on their wisdom, knowledge, and ability to lead. The auxiliaries were the warriors and were chosen based on their courage, strength, and willingness to defend the city. The producers were the workers and were chosen based on their ability to provide for the material needs of the society.

These three classes differed in their education, training, and responsibilities, but they all worked together to create a harmonious and just society. Plato believed that by having a system led by the most qualified and educated individuals, the society would be able to achieve true justice and the common good.