Self-Defense, Forfeiture, and Necessity. (2nd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alm, David
• Is Part Of: Philosophical papers. Volume 48:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 335
• Page End: 358
• Publication Date: 2019-09-02
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; Philosophy, African -- Periodicals; 105
• DOI: 10.1080/05568641.2018.1500145
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0556-8641

Abstract

Abstract: The thesis of this paper is that it is possible to explain why a culpable aggressor forfeits his right not to suffer the harm necessary to prevent his aggression if a killer forfeits his right to life. I argue that this strategy accounts also for the necessity restriction on self-defense. I respond to several objections, including the worry that it makes no sense to attempt a derivation of the relatively uncontroversial (aggressor's forfeiture) from the highly controversial (killer's forfeiture).