Is self-defense moral? Is retaliatory force moral?

 Is self-defense moral? Is retaliatory force moral?

Self-defense and retaliatory force are perfect rights that are justified to preserve and protect individual natural rights.

Retaliatory force, when used in response to an initiation of force by another party, is also considered moral within Rand's philosophy. Retaliation is not an act of aggression but a means of defending one's rights and holding the aggressor accountable for their actions [5]. However, it is important to note that retaliation should be proportionate to the initial force used and should not exceed what is necessary to protect one's rights and restore justice [6].

In Ayn Rand's view, the moral principle underlying self-defense and retaliatory force is the respect for individual rights and the recognition of the value and importance of one's own life and well-being. It is an affirmation of the individual's right to exist and flourish, defending oneself against those who would violate those rights [4].

It is crucial to understand that self-defense and retaliatory force are not acts of aggression or a license for violence. They are responses to the violation of individual rights, and their use must be governed by reason, objective judgment, and an adherence to the principle of proportionality [6]. Ultimately, the moral justification for self-defense and retaliatory force lies in the protection of individual rights and the preservation of human life and well-being [4][5].

Sources

1 Understanding Objectivism by Leonard Peikoff. Edited by Michael S. Berliner

2 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand

3 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand

4 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff

5 Ayn Rand Lexicon by Harry Binswanger

6 the Voice of Reason by Ayn Rand, with additional essays by Leonard Peikoff