Civil Disobedience

"Under what conditions is it morally justified to break the law?In what sort of cases would you endorse civil disobedience? In your answer, think about 1) how you would define the idea of an unjust or immoral law. Would you agree with St. Augustine that 'an unjust law is no law at all'? and 2) what cases (if any) would count in your view as legitimate uses of civil disobedience? For some examples, take a look at the Wikipedia article on civil disobedience."

I think that defining what is morally justified to break the law is something that is very complex. An example of a modern case that I would endorse civil disobedience to is equal pay rights for women. Unequal pay for women would be protested for being morally unjust. The goal of the protest would be to change it and allow women equal treatment as men. Another case that I would endorse civil disobedience to is forced female genital mutilation (FGM). This causes count as a legitimate use of civil disobedience in my perspective because is causes more harm to females than good. Although it may be a cultural thing, it should be known that this act of violence to and oppression to women is causing them to suffer for no benefit at all. It is now the 21st century and women should be allowed the same equal treatment as men such as equal pay. These causes would end the suffering of millions of women and would pose no threat to men so I believe that they should be fought for through nonviolent protest.

Individual and the state

Classical liberals like Mill usually argue that so long as you aren't being coerced or forced to do something by the state, then you are free. People sympathetic to Marx are likely to argue that freedom requires that we are protected from forms of coercion that stem from economic disparities, and that this perhaps requires some kind of active state intervention to make sure that we are free to make our own economic choices.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with Mill or Marx? Or perhaps a little with  both?

I think that I agree with Mill that you are free as long as you aren't being coerced or forced to do something by the state, but I also agree a bit with Marx's argument that freedom requires that we're protected from forms of coercion that stem from economic disparities. For example, Mill believes that people should be able to have the right to choose the act of prostitution. I agree with Mill when it comes down to this because I think that it should be okay for people to be involved in it if that is what they wish. It would also create a regulated and safe environment for these workers, however I agree with Marx because people who are involved with prostitution are not aways there by choice. This is where their freedom is being taken away and some kind of active intervention would protect them so that they can make their own choice.

Buddhism

"According to Buddhism, the main source of our suffering is our preoccupation with our own desires. Suffering is said to be caused by selfish cravings and desires. The way to enlightenment, for Buddhism, therefore involves detaching from our narrow concern with ourselves, escaping the prison of our own desires and illusions.

Do you think it is possible to live according to this teaching in the contemporary United States? Is there a conflict between what Buddhism teaches, and how we are encouraged to think and act in our society? What are your thoughts on this?"

I for one do not believe that it is possible to live according to the teaching of detaching ourselves from our own desires in order to reach enlightenment. I think that although we may experience some desires that may cause more harm then good to ourselves, I find that it can also teach us a lesson which in turn will make us a better person. The way that society encourages to act when it comes to our own personal desires and illusions is very different than the teachings of Buddhism. I believe that the American society encourages us to act on our desires such as living the so-called "American Dream". We are encouraged to fight for what we want in life and it would be possible to achieve it as long as we work hard for it. I do believe that your own personal desires can also make or break people. Their desires can bring them success and happiness or it can be their greatest enemy and downfall creating suffering as Buddhism suggests. You can also sort of compare these desires to the idea of the greater goods defense theory because although some desires may cause a negative impact, it may also bring success which would outweigh the negative such as the desire to lose weight. You would suffer for months by taking the time to diet and exercise but in the end you will be healthier.