This chapter raises the question: “what is a just attitude to this exercise of violent coercive power on the part of rulers and their subordinate officers?” The author asserts that such action is akin to human nature, and that since society is essential to human good, society without coercive power is impossible. She also discusses the notion of innocence and the right to kill intentionally, arguing that the right to attack and kill is one that only rulers and those acting on their behalf possess. Also discussed are the influence of pacifism on this argument, the principle of double effect, and answers to some commonly heard arguments from a catholic point of view.
