Philosophy

What Are The Legitimate Ends And Means Of Protest?

January 21, 2012
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For as long as there has been authority, there’s probably been resistance to it. Resistance can take many forms, from quiet disengagement to violent conflict. Some of these acts of resistance are called “protest”. But what does it mean to protest? When, if ever, is protesting legitimate, necessary, or even unethical? Is it necessary for democracy or should a working democracy render it superfluous? What can it achieve, and is it ever the best tactic?

Today protest seems as alive and well as ever, whether one thinks of the Tea Party Movement in the US, anti-austerity protests in Europe or the events of the Arab Spring. To discuss protest we’re joined by San Francisco-based activist and writer Iain Boal.