Final answer:
King argues for the moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws by citing evidence from Gandhi's philosophy and the Declaration of Independence. He uses a combination of logos and pathos to substantiate the claim, reinforcing the duty to challenge corrupt or oppressive governance in service of justice and humanity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. develops his claim that one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws by providing philosophical evidence and contextual examples. King, along with other civil rights leaders, believed in recognising the legitimacy of the government but opposing unjust laws that violate moral and ethical principles. He supported the idea of civil disobedience to contest such laws. The evidence King provides is rooted in concepts espoused by Gandhi and the American Declaration of Independence.
Gandhi's stance, which influenced King, held that civil disobedience is a sacred duty when faced with a corrupt or lawless state. This belief underscores the moral responsibility to disobey to serve oneself and others effectively. Additionally, the Declaration of Independence supports this line of reasoning by stating that it is the right and duty of people to throw off oppressive governments.
To evaluate and substantiate his arguments, King uses logos by referencing legal principles and pathos by appealing to the emotional impact of unjust laws. The rhetorical ability of combining factual evidence with emotional resonance strengthens his claim. These approaches convince us that moral reasoning must align with the discernment of just laws through reason, and that when such laws are defied, it is out of a higher obligation to humanity and the pursuit of justice.