The passage below makes a moral IBE argument. Do the following:
-First, represent the argument in standard form using the General Form of IBE.
-Second, evaluate premise 2 of the Principle Justification Sub-argument by suggesting an opposing alternative principle that explains the paradigm cases.
The passage:
Aggression against the property or person of another is always wrong. This follows from practical commitments that all reasonable people share.
-If I want money, it is wrong for me to mug you. Why?
Because mugging is a form of aggression.
-If I want my fields planted, it is wrong for me to enslave you and force you to do it. Why?
Because slavery is a form of aggression.
-If I've had a bad day at work, and need to blow off some steam, it is wrong for me to smash the windows out of your car. Why?
Because destroying your property is a form of aggression.
-If I don't like you, it is wrong for me to punch you in the nose. Why?
Because punching you is a form of aggression.
Aggression is always wrong. But sometimes, the form aggression takes is subtle. Paying your taxes, for example, might not feel, in the moment, as if you are the victim of aggression. But you are. Imagine what would happen if you did not pay your taxes. Eventually, the government would show up with their guns and throw you in prison. That, obviously, is a form of aggression.
Since taxation is a form of aggression, and aggression is always wrong, taxation is always wrong.

Question

The passage below makes a moral IBE argument. Do the following:
-First, represent the argument in standard form using the General Form of IBE.
-Second, evaluate premise 2 of the Principle Justification Sub-argument by suggesting an opposing alternative principle that explains the paradigm cases.
The passage:
Aggression against the property or person of another is always wrong. This follows from practical commitments that all reasonable people share.
-If I want money, it is wrong for me to mug you. Why?
 Because mugging is a form of aggression.
-If I want my fields planted, it is wrong for me to enslave you and force you to do it. Why?
 Because slavery is a form of aggression.
-If I've had a bad day at work, and need to blow off some steam, it is wrong for me to smash the windows out of your car. Why?
 Because destroying your property is a form of aggression.
-If I don't like you, it is wrong for me to punch you in the nose. Why?
 Because punching you is a form of aggression.
Aggression is always wrong. But sometimes, the form aggression takes is subtle. Paying your taxes, for example, might not feel, in the moment, as if you are the victim of aggression. But you are. Imagine what would happen if you did not pay your taxes. Eventually, the government would show up with their guns and throw you in prison. That, obviously, is a form of aggression.
Since taxation is a form of aggression, and aggression is always wrong, taxation is always wrong.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The General Form of IBE is as follows:

Premise 1: If practical commitments that all reasonable people share lead to the conclusion that aggression against the property or person of another is always wrong, then aggression against the property or person of another is always wrong.
Premise 2: Practical commitments that all reasonable people share lead to the conclusion that aggression against the property or person of another is always wrong.
Conclusion: Aggression against the property or person of another is always wrong.

Evaluation of premise 2 of the Principle Justification Sub-argument:

An opposing alternative principle that explains the paradigm cases could be that the morality of aggression is dependent on the specific circumstances and intentions behind the action. For example, in the case of paying taxes, the principle could be that contributing to the functioning of society through taxation is a necessary and justifiable form of social contract, rather than an act of aggression. This principle would argue that the intention behind taxation is not to harm or aggress against individuals, but rather to support the common good and maintain social order.

In conclusion, the argument presented in the passage follows the General Form of IBE and can be evaluated by considering alternative principles that explain the paradigm cases of aggression.

The Passage Below Makes a Moral IBE Argument