Note Details
- Stage: soil ✨
- Type: Concept
- Topics: freedom, libertarian
Definition
The non-aggression principle (NAP) is a moral stance that holds that aggression against individuals or their property is inherently wrong and should be prohibited. The principle is often associated with libertarianism and anarchism, and it is seen as a fundamental ethical rule that should guide all human interactions. According to the non-aggression principle, aggression refers to any initiation of force or coercion against individuals or their property, and it is considered to be morally wrong regardless of the intended consequences or motives. The non-aggression principle is sometimes used as a basis for evaluating political policies and actions.
Notes
- Voluntaryists oppose the initiation of force to achieve social or political goals.
- The super short version is: Don’t hurt people and don’t mess with their property.
- They reject “first-strike” force, fraud or theft against others and only use force in self-defense.
- Those who violate this “non-aggression principle” are expected to make their victims whole as much as possible.
- Voluntaryists take the non-aggression principle that most people implicitly follow in their interactions with other individuals, and apply it to group actions, including government actions, as well.