Philosophy 499
Study questions:  Smith, "Is There a Prima Facie Obligation to Obey the Law?"


1.  How does Smith explain what he means by "prima facie obligation?"  What might be an
        example of such an obligation?

2.  Smith considers 3 general categories of arguments in favor of a prima facie obligation
        to obey the law. What are these 3?  What are the main arguments he considers in each
        category?  How does he criticize these arguments?

3.  Later in the paper, Smith argues that even if there were a prima facie obligation to obey the
        law, it would not be a serious obligation.  What conditions does he think an obligation has
        to meet in order to qualify as a serious obligation?  Why does he think a prima facie
        obligation to obey the law would not meet those criteria?

4.  To what extent do you think Smith succeeds in showing that there is no prima facie obligation
        to obey the law?  What is the strongest argument in favor of such an obligation?  Does
        Smith respond to this argument adequately?