Civil Disobedience Review

Front

What is the central idea of 'Civil Disobedience'?

Back

Citizens should be willing to act on their own sense of right and wrong.

Front

What does Thoreau mean by 'we should be men first, and subjects afterwards'?

Back

It further the claim that each individual must follow his or her own conscience.

Front

What was Thoreau's view on slavery?

Back

Slavery is a moral evil that should be stopped.

Front

How did Thoreau feel about the war with Mexico?

Back

He was against it.

Front

How does Thoreau feel about his time in jail?

Back

He is proud that he followed his conscience.

Front

Define Civil Disobedience.

Back

The active refusal to obey certain laws, demands, and commands of a government or occupying power.

Front

What is the significance of individual conscience in Thoreau's philosophy?

Back

Individual conscience is paramount and should guide actions, especially in opposition to unjust laws.

Front

How does Thoreau view the role of government?

Back

Thoreau believes that government is often an impediment to justice and moral action.

Front

What is the relationship between justice and law according to Thoreau?

Back

Not all laws are just; individuals must evaluate laws against their own moral standards.

Front

What does Thoreau suggest about majority rule?

Back

Majority rule does not necessarily equate to justice; the minority can be right.