Analysis Questions

Analysis Questions

Question 1: The Author states that the world of law is smaller than the world of ethics.

In this paper After reading “Letter from the Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, jr., I will summarize what he meant by a just law and an unjust law. In Martin Luther King's “Letter From Birmingham Jail”, Dr. King addresses many points made in a the public statement by the Alabama Clergymen. Dr. King explains the motives and goals of the civil rights movement. He also addresses the racial problems within Birmingham and why change was needed.

Question 2: After reading ''Letter from the Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, jr., summarize what he meant by a just law and an unjust law?

Also, Dr. King was told by the clergymen that the problem within Birmingham was local and needed to be dealt with on a local level. In response, Dr. King states, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Any injustice to African Americans is a threat to all African Americans. Martin Luther King goes on to explain how the problem in Birmingham has continued for a while and not been resolved. He tells the clergymen that “Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States.” Therefore, the local problem would not be able to resolve itself.

Question 3: Explain the difference between ethical issues and ethical principles.

In addition, the clergymen called the demonstrations extreme and unnecessary. In response, Dr. King explains that the demonstrations were a last resort. Dr. King states, “We had no alternative but to prepare for direct action.” Martin Luther King explains the steps that the civil rights workers had gone through and that the city of Birmingham left them with no other choice but to use direct action. Also, Dr. King expresses disappointment that the clergymen misinterpreted the non-violent actions of the demonstrators as extreme. Dr. King explains the two forces that exist within the civil rights movement. “One is a force of complacency,” and “the other is a force of bitterness”.

Question 4: In your own words, explain what you think are the important differences between Kohlberg's and Gilligan's theories of moral development

In addition, Dr. King responds to the statement made by the clergymen that the local black community should stop supporting the demonstrators. Dr. King states “oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever.” Dr. King tries to explain to the clergymen what life is like for a black person in Birmingham. Martin Luther King goes on to say that the local Negro community would not be able to succeed in gaining civil rights on their own. He states “the city's white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative.” The effort for civil rights would not be able to survive in the prejudice environment of Birmingham, Alabama.

Question 5: For the following fallacies, first define and then give an original example.

a. Genetic fallacy

i. Ad hominem abusive

ii. Ad hominem circumstantial

b. Ambiguity (equivocation )

c. Faulty causation

i. Post hoc

ii. Slippery slope

iii. Statistical ...