The Non-aggression Principle

The non-aggression principle is a moral stance which asserts that aggression is illegitimate.

Also called the non-aggression axiom, the anti-coercion principle, the zero aggression principle ZAP, the non-initiation of force, or NAP for short.

Aggression is defined as the initiation or threat of non-consensual physical force against the person or property of another. Aggression is understood to include indirect force such as theft by stealth and fraud. Unlike pacifism, the non-aggression principle does not preclude violence used in self-defense or the defense of others. [See Force vs Violence vs Aggression]

The meaning and scope of the NAP is debated. Here are some of the interpretations:

1. A legal principle about enforceable law.
   Legal definition (Walter Block)
   
   
2. A fundamental moral principle that applies to the civilized society moral environment (but perhaps not to survival situations or for self-actualization.)
   Modal ethics definition (Hogeye Bill)
   
   
3. An ethical guideline, one of many heuristic principles for determining norms.
   Rule utilitarianism
   
   
4. A fundamental moral principle applying everywhere.
   Unqualified definition and perhaps most common (L. Neil Smith)

   "A moral stance which asserts that aggression is inherently illegitimate.” - Wikipedia and many other sources.

   
   
5. A fundamental moral principle applying everywhere except emergencies.
   Objectivist definition (Rand, Rothbard, and many others.)
   
   
6. A moral heuristic saying that any aggression must be justified. The Non-Aggression presumption, aka NAp.
   Intuitionist definition (Michael Huemer)

The Non-aggression Principle

The non-aggression principle is a moral stance which asserts that aggression is illegitimate.

Also called the non-aggression axiom, the anti-coercion principle, the zero aggression principle ZAP, the non-initiation of force, or NAP for short.

Aggression is defined as the initiation or threat of non-consensual physical force against the person or property of another. Aggression is understood to include indirect force such as theft by stealth and fraud. Unlike pacifism, the non-aggression principle does not preclude violence used in self-defense or the defense of others. [See Force vs Violence vs Aggression]

The meaning and scope of the NAP is debated. Here are some of the interpretations:

1. A legal principle about enforceable law.
   Legal definition (Walter Block)
   
   
2. A fundamental moral principle that applies to the civilized society moral environment (but perhaps not to survival situations or for self-actualization.)
   Modal ethics definition (Hogeye Bill)
   
   
3. An ethical guideline, one of many heuristic principles for determining norms.
   Rule utilitarianism
   
   
4. A fundamental moral principle applying everywhere.
   Unqualified definition and perhaps most common (L. Neil Smith)

   "A moral stance which asserts that aggression is inherently illegitimate.” - Wikipedia and many other sources.

5. A fundamental moral principle applying everywhere except emergencies.
   Objectivist definition (Rand, Rothbard, and many others.)
6. A moral heuristic saying that any aggression must be justified. The Non-Aggression presumption, aka NAp.
   Intuitionist definition (Michael Huemer)