Question 125: Ethics of competition

Violence is only bad when it is used in bad ways. There is always the philosophical argument about what is good and what is bad, and how the determination about what is good or bad depends upon the viewpoint, cultural upbringing, religion, etc. of the person making the determination. However, the distinction between good and bad violence is easy to determine—bad violence is that which is a threat to the person or the person’s family, home, livelihood, country, etc.

Being capable of violence is not the same as being violent. With proper training, a sniper who can kill anyone with no remorse while on the battlefield can be a caring husband and father who never get angry with others while at home. Unethical, uncontrolled violence is always bad. Ethical, controlled, violence used in a judicious manner can be a good thing.

As stated above, a competition is a mutually agreed upon contest. Therefore, the “no first strike” concept does not apply. Even if a person thinks the concept does apply, the person only needs to let the opponent attack first, avoid or block the attack, and then counterattack.