Apartheid Quote by Walter E. Williams
“How does something immoral, when done privately, become moral when it is done collectively? Furthermore, does legality establish morality? Slavery was legal; apartheid is legal; Stalinist, Nazi, and Maoist purges were legal. Clearly, the fact of legality does not justify these crimes. Legality, alone, cannot be the talisman of moral people.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral Philosophy, Walter E. Williams, 2005
Moral judgments depend on societal context; private actions may be seen as immoral, yet collective acceptance can shift perception, while legality alone does not confer moral legitimacy.
In simple terms: Legality ≠ morality; context shapes ethics.
Key Takeaway
Question norms, not just laws.
Themes
ethics
law
social influence
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community standards
- human rights advocacy
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
moral relativism
legal positivism
collective responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we differentiate legal from moral duties?
- When should individuals resist lawful but immoral directives?
A Different Perspective
Legal systems can be flawed and uphold injustice.
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