The Ethics of Violence Part 1 – Thoughts
// March 24th, 2010 // Self Defense, Thoughts
I had a chance yesterday to run the scenario past a few friends and family members. The answers were interesting, here are a few synopses:
1) Yell at Bill to get away from my (son). Afterward, I’d take the opportunity to flee after him
2) Approach Bill slowly with disarming words, ultimately attempting to distract him from the family member so I can attack.
3) Yell for the family member to flee at the same time attempting to take control of Bill.
The individuals who stated #s 2 and 3 also added that they’d be willing to go as far as taking Bill’s life if necessary. Given the circumstances, especially the notion that Bill is threatening bodily harm to your kin/friend and you have NO idea the extent at which he is capable of acting, perhaps that is not an imprudent thought.
A dramatic response? Isn’t it a dramatic scenario? I am beginning to understand these ideas. I can’t begin to claim that I’d be able to react accordingly but I can indeed agree that action is absolutely necessary and that inaction would end with an unpredictable result. An unpredictable result is unacceptable. If you are able to accurately, exactly predict a severely angry person’s next action please email me with your secret.
A similar scenario could happen anywhere at any time to any one… In Philadelphia back in 2008, a sleeping man on a subway was attacked with a hammer. 10 passengers were in the car with the assaulter and the victim. No one acted.
…or for any reason. 2 dollars and a bag of chips?
…with any level of force, sometimes even foolishly… Assault with … um.
