Item 15 in Truth By Reason Master Ethical Code

Prefer Peace and Protect Against Aggression

Use dialogue, negotiation, mediation and lawful institutions wherever reasonably possible.

Position
15
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Everyone
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Prefer Peace and Protect Against Aggression

Source wording

<p>Use dialogue, negotiation, mediation and lawful institutions wherever reasonably possible.</p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Use dialogue, negotiation, mediation and lawful institutions wherever reasonably possible.

Broader interpretation

Protective force is justified only when necessary against serious wrongful harm and must remain proportionate and accountable.

Practical meaning

Use dialogue, negotiation, mediation and lawful institutions wherever reasonably possible.

Ethical purpose

Protective force is justified only when necessary against serious wrongful harm and must remain proportionate and accountable.

Modern application

Apply this principle to personal conduct, organisations and public policy, with particular attention to people and beings who carry the greatest risks while holding the least power.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle may conflict with other duties. It should therefore be applied with evidence, proportionality, role reversal, attention to power and review of foreseeable consequences.

Truth By Reason analysis

Protective force is justified only when necessary against serious wrongful harm and must remain proportionate and accountable.

Sources