Absolutes Quote by Peter Singer
“Should one break in and free the animals? That is illegal, but the obligation to obey the law is not absolute. It was justifiably broken by those who helped runaway slaves in the American South, to mention only one possible parallel.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Practical Ethics, 1979
Moral duties may conflict with unjust laws; civil disobedience can be justified when law is immoral.
In simple terms: Law isn’t always moral; break it for justice.
Key Takeaway
Question unjust laws, act responsibly.
Themes
ethics
civil disobedience
justice
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- activism
- legal reform
- humanitarian aid
- protest movements
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- When is breaking the law morally required?
- How to balance duty to law vs. duty to humanity?
A Different Perspective
Legal consequences can be severe; weigh personal risk.
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![“Nineteen thousand children [are] dying every day. Does it really matter that we're not walking past them in the street? Does it really matter that they're far away? I don't think it does make a morally relevant difference.” quote by Peter Singer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc1/peter-singer-1001_children_nineteen-thousand-children-are-dying-eve_33961.jpg)
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