PHIL 1100H Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: W. E. B. Du Bois, Moral Agency
7 Apr 2019
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In this essay, i shall expand upon and defend dubois" side of the debate. I shall argue that persons have reason to protest their wrongs not only to stop an injustice but also to show self- respect and to know themselves as self-respecting . The protest is essentially an affirmation that a victim of injury has rights. It is not an argument for that position. Booker t. washington: utilitarian reasons not to protest. Doesn"t always do something about the situation. Betrays a weakness for relying on others sympathy. Relies on others sympathies instead of one"s own efforts. Rights-asserting has a different purpose, not always social change. Self-respecting assertion doesn"t seek sympathy (rights as a demand, not request) As long as you have self-respect, believe in what matters and what is in your control. He agrees with washington that protest is not a likely way of getting others to agree, (63)
