This thesis investigates whether Catalonia has a moral right to unilateral secession. The research question focuses on the legitimacy of Catalonia’s unilateral secession from Spain, analyzing it...Show moreThis thesis investigates whether Catalonia has a moral right to unilateral secession. The research question focuses on the legitimacy of Catalonia’s unilateral secession from Spain, analyzing it through the lenses of three main secession theories: remedial rights, plebiscitary rights, and ascriptive rights. The study critically evaluates the arguments of economic disadvantage, democratic will, and national identity as justifications for secession. The analysis finds that while Catalonia faces economic disadvantages, these do not meet the stringent criteria of severe injustices required for remedial secession. The plebiscitary theory, which emphasizes democratic will, is challenged by Catalonia’s divided public opinion, which consistently shows less than a clear majority in favor of independence. Finally, the ascriptive rights theory, which supports secession based on distinct national identity, provides the strongest moral foundation for Catalonia’s case, but it faces significant practical challenges, including potential international instability and internal divisions within Catalonia. The findings suggest that while Catalonia’s aspiration for independence has a moral basis under the ascriptive theory, the lack of severe injustices and insufficient stable majority support complicates the justification for unilateral secession.Show less
Numerous works have discussed the legitimacy of prostitution and the most appropriate legal approach to it. Still, there is no consensus on whether it is an oppressive practice worthy of...Show moreNumerous works have discussed the legitimacy of prostitution and the most appropriate legal approach to it. Still, there is no consensus on whether it is an oppressive practice worthy of condemnation or a job to be recognized. This research aims to contribute to the abolitionist effort by emphasizing that prostitution is different from selling our services in other capacities within the limitations of the capitalist culture, exposing the wrongs of the “pro-sex” discourse today and reflecting upon the significance of laws that claim to protect prostitutes by regulating the practice like a job. Altogether, I aim to answer the question of the extent to which the problematization of sexual autonomy, as put forward by abolitionism, is central to feminism by using prostitution as a representative case.Show less
