Oct

14

Good article on ZAP – the Zero Aggression Principle

Filed Under Libertarian Philosophy 


Good article on ZAP – the Zero Aggression Principle:

"No human being has the right, under ANY circumstances, to initiate force against another human being, nor to advocate or delegate its initiation."

The Zero Aggression Principle (ZAP), or the Non-Aggression Principle, is the defining rule of peaceful coexistance.  This version was composed by L. Neil Smith, who says: "A libertarian is a person who believes that no one has the right, under any circumstances, to initiate force against another human being, or to advocate or delegate its initiation. Those who act consistently with this principle are libertarians, whether they realize it or not. Those who fail to act consistently with it are not libertarians, regardless of what they may claim." 

This is the basis of a freedom philosophy which respects the rights of everyone.  It applies to everyone equally.  The basic idea has been expressed throughout human cultures across the globe and in every era.  The "Golden Rule"* and "The Wiccan Rede"** are just two examples among many.  Each culture has its own way of saying basically the same thing. Even very young children have an innate understanding of this one "law of humanity".  In any dispute they always cry "He started it!"  I think that this idea is part of what makes us philosophically human.

Notice, too, that advocating the initiation of force against others is understood to be wrong.  You can not threaten to use force to coerce someone’s compliance.  Prohibited as well is using thugs (such as government agents) to impose your coercive desires upon the unwilling, yet otherwise peaceful, person.

This is how you show your respect for the self-ownership of those around you. If you follow this principle, you may not be a perfect person, but you would probably be a pretty good neighbor. You would definitely be a good example of true libertarianism….Continued:


http://www.kentforliberty.com/zap.html


So, what do you think? Feel free to leave some comments below!





Comments

One Response to “Good article on ZAP – the Zero Aggression Principle”

  1. bruce judelson on October 14th, 2009 1:27 pm

    the zero aggression principle is a bedrock component of defining libertarian philosophy. its application is what makes the difference between evil relations and peaceful ones. it defines the end limits to justify (if it’s existence even is justifiable in any particular case) the rightful use for government , and the ends it needs to be limited to, in order to promote a harmonious, prosperous, free, and (pretty much) just society. if all who called themselves libertarian were highly (appropriately) consistent in its application that alone would probably do wonders for our image and effectiveness. it is a worthy goal to establish recognition of this element.

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