Description
Book SynopsisWhat is the difference between civil and uncivil disobedience? How can illegal protest be compatible with a democratic regime based on the rule of law? Is Edward Snowden a civil disobedient? This book follows the philosophical debate around these and other issues, showing how the notion of civil disobedience has evolved from a form of passive resistance against injustice, to an active way to engage with the political life of the community. The author presents the major contributions in political and legal philosophy, ranging from John Rawls' seminal account in 1971, to the recent views advanced by Kimberley Brownlee, David Lefkowitz and William Smith. In the last chapter, the author proposes a novel account of civil disobedience, able to meet some of the unresolved challenges. The author argues that, to make sense of civil disobedience, we should expand our conception of political obligation, so to include acts that, despite being illegal, may reveal the agent's civility.
Trade ReviewThere has been a quiet renaissance in the philosophy of civil disobedience. Moraro offers a masterful survey of the emerging debates, showing how a new generation of political theorists is grappling with challenges posed by a new generation of political protesters. This is a superb primer for anyone wishing to understand civil disobedience in the twenty-first century. -- William James Clark Smith, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Chinese University of Hong Kong
There is much to admire in this book. In addition to providing a much needed introduction to the most recent philosophical discussion of civil disobedience, Moraro outlines an original account that grounds the value of this practice in certain aspects of virtue ethics. Moraro succeeds in appealing both to students and more experienced readers by discussing complex problems while writing in an accessible and engaging style. Highly recommended. -- Massimo Renzo, Professor of Politics, Philosophy and Law, King's College London
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1. What’s Wrong with Disobedience? Chapter 2. The Concept of Civility Chapter 3. Disagreement and Civility Chapter 4. Nonviolence and Civility Chapter 5. The Moral Right to Civil Disobedience Chapter 6. Political Obligation: ‘Inside-Out’ Vs. ‘Outside-In’
