Philosophy 101
Study questions: Thoreau, "Civil Disobedience"

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1. Thoreau clearly believes he has an obligation to "refuse allegiance" to his government.
         On what grounds? What is the main step he has taken to refuse allegiance?

2. How does Thoreau describe the obligations of citizens regarding injustices committed by their governments?
        What course of action does he suggest in order to resist this injustice? What reasons does he offer in
        favor of this method? What alternative courses of action does he consider, and why does he reject them?

3. Consider the following claim: When one's government is committing serious injustice, one is justified in
         resisting with open, non-violent lawbreaking. Do you agree with this general claim? What reasons
         could you offer in defense of your answer?