[martin-t]

> epitome of hypocrisy

Only in single-step moral systems (one which judges actions as moral or immoral solely based on those actions in the moment and not what preceded them).

I have a multi-step moral system. Basically any unjustified intentional harm to a person justified proportional retaliation. Unjustified means it is not harm which is being caused as punishment to a previous offense. And proportional means that it shouldn't be too weak, neither too strong. IMO the optimum is causing something like 1.5-3x more suffering/"disadvantagement". However, it is important to signal to both the original aggressor and any potential witnesses why this is being done so that one is not mistaken for an original aggressor himself.

I am also a fan of judging others by their own moral principles. Basically, if someone thinks it is OK to, for example, limit my freedom or harm me (for various reasons or in various circumstances), I apply the same rules to him and it is therefore OK for me to limit his freedom or harm him (for similar reasons or in similar circumstances).

Either system leads to similar outcomes. (The first allows stronger response to offense, the second allows only mirroring).

Thanks for the link, it looks very interesting but it goes into my to-read list for today.