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Is violence always wrong? Is violence always wrong?
Yes, violence is always wrong Yes, violence is always wrong
No, violence is not always wrong No, violence is not always wrong
Violence can be justified depending on the reason Violence can be justified depending on the reason
Interpersonal and community violence is always wrong Interpersonal and community violence is always wrong
Violence harms innocent people Violence harms innocent people
Self-directed violence is always wrong Self-directed violence is always wrong
Violence can result in lifelong consequences Violence can result in lifelong consequences
Violence is irrational and an expression of the ego Violence is irrational and an expression of the ego
Humans are inherently violent Humans are inherently violent
Violence is necessary for peace and power Violence is necessary for peace and power
Violence for self-defense is necessary Violence for self-defense is necessary
People have a right to violently protest People have a right to violently protest
Violence as an act of self-defense is warranted Violence as an act of self-defense is warranted
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Is violence always wrong?
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Yes, violence is always wrong

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Violence is irrational and an expression of the ego

Crimes are often committed by people who want to further their personal interests. It helps boost their ego rather than hoping to gain any monetary or political gain. For such people, the cause of the crime is less important than the very act of violence leading to the crime.
Ethics Violence
Max Velmans
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The Argument

An individual's low self-esteem and the absence of inner security can result in ego boundaries that often escalate to physical acts of violence. A threat to their ego can trigger a defensive response and cause them to act violently. Such kinds of people often find acceptance by joining a gang, cult, or extremist group. [1] The combination of low self-esteem and aggressive behavior can influence an individual to punish their targetted person to "teach" them a lesson. However, it is not just low self-esteem that can result in ego boundaries but also high self-esteem and narcissistic behavior. Most violent torturers and individuals committing hate crimes were ones with high self-esteem. Narcissistic traits and high self-esteem are not the same things, but when both traits are combined in an individual, the person tends to be highly egoistical and self-centered with a positive view of themselves. These traits are linked to their aggression and violent behavior. [2] Whether in individuals with low or high self-esteem or people who need psychological help, their irrational and egotistical behaviors contribute to violence against innocent people, which is wrong. Violent people serve their own interests and blur reality with their perception of the truth.

Counter arguments

People who use violence to cope with their mental illness are in dire need of psychological help. Blaming individuals for actions that are a product of their mental illness rather than urging them to seek help can cause them to be more violent. It is important to educate people and bring awareness regarding mental health and the problems that can arise if untreated. Narcissism, low self-esteem, or egoistical traits are sometimes the products of life long trauma, abandonment, and other mistreatments towards an individual. Several studies show that 31% of people with psychiatric disorders and substance abuse disorders committed one act of violence in a year. Such patients, if not treated, can cause more harm to society. [3] Violence is not simply irrational but acts of coping mechanisms by mentally ill people. Deeming such acts as "always wrong" demonizes people who struggle with mental health issues beyond their control and may prevent people from getting the help they need.

Proponents

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331833662_VIOLENCE_THE_FRAGILE_EGO_AND_THE_PEACEFUL_SELF
  2. https://dspace.library.uu.nl/bitstream/handle/1874/338612/Bachelorthesis%20Bos%2C%20J-4094069%20en%20Heijer%2C%20RCTden-3771245%20en%20Schwillens%2C%20EJJ-5654629%20en%20Geen%2C%20AJvan-3976661.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
  3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/mental-illness-and-violence
This page was last edited on Wednesday, 11 Nov 2020 at 15:19 UTC

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