The Five Principles of Defensive Ethics: Foundations of a Moral Claim to Personal Defense

The Five Principles of Defensive Ethics is a flagship publication that establishes a rigorous, naturalistic foundation for understanding ethical self-defense. It shows how the biological imperatives of survival and the relational conditions of human agency give rise to moral orientations that guide responsible protective action. For practitioners, instructors, and anyone seeking to understand the ethics of personal protection, this report provides a crucial framework for making sense of defensive decision-making under real threat.

Self-defense is not only a technical skill. It is a form of judgment exercised under extreme pressure—where perception narrows, emotion accelerates, and the window for reflective decision-making often collapses. These conditions make ethical clarity a functional necessity: without a stable structure for evaluating risk, purpose, and proportionality, defensive action becomes unstable, inconsistent, or even harmful. This publication addresses that need by identifying the principles that keep moral orientation intact when circumstances are volatile and rapidly evolving.

Central to the report are five stabilizing orientations—Self-Preservation, Equality, Reciprocity, Coherence, and Congruence. Each articulates a necessary condition for preserving agency while navigating danger, and together they map the terrain in which ethical self-defense operates. They clarify what is being protected, how the rights and vulnerabilities of all persons shape defensive choices, how responses must be calibrated as conditions shift, and how protective purpose must remain aligned with action. These principles allow defenders to remain grounded, disciplined, and morally accountable even when their cognitive and emotional capacities are strained.

This framework is also directly relevant for understanding self-defense law. Although the report is not a legal document, it functions as a proto-legal bridge: it clarifies the moral logic behind concepts that the law later formalizes—necessity, proportionality, imminence, reasonableness, and defensive purpose. By understanding the ethical structure that underlies human defensive action, practitioners and readers are better equipped to interpret legal standards and appreciate why the law draws certain boundaries around justified force. The principles outlined here illuminate the normative groundwork from which legal doctrine emerges.

As a stand-alone publication, The Five Principles of Defensive Ethics offers a complete foundation for thinking about self-defense in its fullest sense: as a biologically grounded, ethically structured, and legally relevant practice. It equips readers not only to act with clearer judgment under threat, but to understand the deeper moral architecture that makes justified protection both possible and defensible.

To download and read this publication follow the link here.

Alternatively, click on the image above to download the full pdf report.

 

 

About The Author

Nathan is the Managing Director and Chief Instructor at Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy, and Chief Representative of Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis in Canada and China. With over 25 years of experience living in China, he is deeply committed to passing on traditional martial arts in its most sincere form. As part of his passion Nathan regularly writes on related topics of self-defense, combat, health, philosophy, ethics, personal cultivation, and leadership.

 

 

Legal and Safety Disclaimer

The material contained in this publication is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It presents philosophical and ethical analysis of self-defence and interpersonal violence and does not constitute legal advice, tactical instruction, or professional guidance of any kind. Laws governing self-defence vary widely by jurisdiction, and specific legal outcomes depend on circumstances that cannot be anticipated here.

No material in this publication should be relied upon to make real-world decisions regarding the use of force, personal safety, or risk management. Before acting in any situation involving potential harm, you should consult qualified legal professionals, law-enforcement authorities, and relevant experts.

The authors and publishers disclaim all liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this publication. Any reliance you place on the material is strictly at your own risk.