70: Self-Defense
Chapter 70, "Self-Defense," establishes the moral justification for taking a life in self-defense when faced with unjust aggression, emphasizing that while such an act is desperate, it is preferable to yielding one's own life. The right to self-defense is rooted in the natural law of charity, which prioritizes one's own life when faced with an aggressor who forfeits their right by initiating an unjust attack. This right extends to protecting one's virtue (especially for women), and, with certain proportionality and effectiveness conditions, even justly acquired possessions. However, this right only applies to preventing harm, not to avenging a past wrong, and it can be voluntarily relinquished out of greater charity, provided no dependents are left without support.
For the full audiobook can be obtained here. The contents of this volume appeared originally in The Catholic Transcript, of Hartford, Connecticut, in weekly installments, from February, 1901, to February, 1903.
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