Democracy and Disobedience

Originally published in 1973, Democracy and Disobedience is Peter Singer’s very first book, growing from his thesis at Oxford—a precursor to the classic title, Animal Liberation Now. It is a timeless consideration on the morality of disobedience—both civil and uncivil—and protest in democracies. It is also a view into the mind of the young Australian who would subsequently become widely acknowledged as one of the greatest moral philosophers of our time.

Amidst present day politics and culture, Singer has returned to the book and will write a new foreword of around 5,000 words. Reflecting upon the evolution of his own thinking and how civil disobedience has transformed over time, the material will span protests against ICE; digital disobedience à la Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning; protests to preserve or institute democracy (recently, in Iran); the advent and role of social media; and more.