Answer to Question #164006 in History for Angela Diaz

Question

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy selection on "Civil Disobedience," discusses the philosophy behind the practice. How can non-violent civil disobedience, according to one of the philosopher's quoted, perhaps be more forceful and "violent" than actual acts of physical violence?

Answer 1

Non-Violent Civil Disobedience

Martin Luther was renowned for

advocating for civil disobedience. According to him, civil disobedience was a

higher form of lawlessness that allowed positive or man-made laws to align with

natural or divine law. He argued that civil disobedience was not unlawful. Education,

campaigns are one of the ways to carry out a non-violent campaign, one can

argue that they will be more forceful or even violent as it can lead to much

greater change as the audience it is addressed to will know more about the

matter. Non-violent civil disobedience has a higher chance of creating real

change in society than physical violence ever will. Non-violent civil

disobedience engages the intellect of individuals that is why it is more

powerful.