{"id":"3b20fd60-d713-4940-a157-43a6cae3b6e8","slug":"the-moral-philosophy-of-self-defense-and-resistance-to-tyranny-in-the-judeo-christian-tradition-a-review-of-david-kopels-the-morality-of-self-defense-and-military-action-the-judeo","title":"The moral philosophy of self-defense and resistance to tyranny in the Judeo-Christian Tradition – A review of David Kopel’s <i>The morality of self-defense and military action: The Judeo-Christian Tradition</i> (2017)","authors":["Miguel A. Faria"],"abstract":"Background: David Kopel's book, The Morality of Self-Defense and Military Action: The Judeo-Christian Tradition, addresses the moral philosophy surrounding self-defense and resistance to tyranny from a Judeo-Christian perspective. It explores the historical and theological foundations of these concepts, emphasizing their significance in Western civilization. The book is divided into two parts, focusing on the Old Testament and the New Testament, respectively. Summary: Kopel's work presents a comprehensive examination of the moral justifications for individual self-defense, collective rebellion, and military action against tyranny. He draws upon a range of religious and philosophical authorities, including St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and John Locke, to support his arguments. The author argues that self-defense is not only a personal right but also a moral duty, particularly in the face of aggression and tyranny. Conclusion: Kopel concludes that the Judeo-Christian Tradition provides a robust framework for understanding the morality of self-defense and just wars. He emphasizes that individuals and nations have both the right and the moral obligation to defend themselves and others against unjust aggression. The book serves as a significant contribution to the discourse on morality, self-defense, and the role of citizens in opposing tyrannical governance. Keywords: self-defense, morality, tyranny, Judeo-Christian, military action, just war, philosophy, resistance","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/socio-economics-politics-and-medicine.png","publishDate":"2020-08-08T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_436_2020","categories":["Socio-Economics, Politics, and Medicine","Book Review"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/10185/SNI-11-241.pdf"}