Is It Okay to Kill in Self-Defence

Cindy Jordan

SLS1505

Week 4-2.doc

Is it wrong to kill someone in self-defense?

It is not wrong to kill in self-defense. If someone was trying to kill you, it would not be wrong for you to defend yourself, and cause the attacker's death, if necessary. It is not wrong for people in bona fide armed services to kill in defense of their country. We kill animals for food. Huge multinational corporations kill the inhabitants of third world countries by leaving behind huge deposits of toxic wastes that slowly cripple and kill. That kind of killing is wrong. Innocent people have been executed in states where the death penalty is still used. That kind of killing is wrong. It is wrong for a person to take the life of another person out of anger, hostility, hate, negligence, rage, for profit, etc.

Do we have a moral responsibility toward less fortunate people?

Everyone should help those that are less fortunate then themselves because that is the only way we can progress.

We live in the society that only advanced after we adopted disciplined beliefs in helping others. If we did not, we would decay, ruined by personal rivalry and obsession about our own wellbeing. Imagine where our kids would be if we never took care of them. Those that can't help themselves can receive help and in turn, that can empower them to help others, and so everyone standing and livelihood improves.

Should we eat meat or wear animal skins?

Many people feel that eating meat or using animal skins is wrong. I do not think this is wrong in all situations, but sometimes it is not okay. If the animal is wasted then it is not okay to me. It also depends on the species of animal; some animals are raised for meat or their hide while others are considered pets.