s views on government relate to…

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

How did Thoreau’s views on government relate to his imprisonment in “Civil Disobedience”? A) He believed government was corrupt and justified his refusal to pay taxes despite being imprisoned. B) He thought government was dishonest and that his imprisonment could influence significant decisions. C) He viewed government as a positive force and believed his imprisonment could enhance the relationship between the government and the people. D) He considered government beneficial for society and thought the reasons for his imprisonment were justified.

Short Answer

Thoreau viewed government as often corrupt and believed individuals have a moral duty to resist unjust laws, making civil disobedience a civic responsibility. His own tax resistance reflected his stance against slavery and the Mexican War, emphasizing that personal morals should guide one’s actions against oppressive laws, prioritizing divine laws over human-made ones.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding Thoreau’s View on Government

Henry David Thoreau believed that government is often corrupt and operates contrary to the will of justice. He posited that individuals have a moral duty to resist laws that they find unjust. This disobedience is not just a personal choice but a civic responsibility, especially when such laws are oppressive or inhuman.

Step 2: Tax Resistance as a Form of Protest

Thoreau’s own experience with imprisonment stemmed from his refusal to pay taxes as a protest against slavery and the Mexican War. This act of civil disobedience underscores his belief that one must take a stand against governmental actions that violate personal morals and humanity. He argued that paying taxes would implicitly support these unjust laws.

Step 3: The Hierarchy of Laws

Thoreau articulated a distinction between two types of laws: those made by God and those crafted by humans. He asserted that divine laws are inherently just and should prevail over human laws when the latter are unjust. According to Thoreau, citizens must prioritize morality and humanity above man-made laws and feel empowered to disobey them when necessary.

Related Concepts

Corruption

The process by which a government or authority acts in ways contrary to ethical standards and the public’s interest, often leading to unjust outcomes.

Civil disobedience

A nonviolent form of protest where individuals refuse to comply with certain laws or government demands, typically as a means of advocating for moral or ethical principles.

Natural law

A theory asserting that certain rights and moral values are inherent and derived from a higher authority or universal principles, which should take precedence over human-made laws when the latter are unjust.

Table Of Contents
  1. How did Thoreau's views on government relate to his imprisonment in "Civil Disobedience"? A) He believed government was corrupt and justified his refusal to pay taxes despite being imprisoned. B) He thought government was dishonest and that his imprisonment could influence significant decisions. C) He viewed government as a positive force and believed his imprisonment could enhance the relationship between the government and the people. D) He considered government beneficial for society and thought the reasons for his imprisonment were justified.

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