Tit For Tat

This experiment presents eight scenarios that escalate from a clear-cut case of self-defence to the most extreme forms of preventive violence. Each scenario asks whether striking first is morally permissible.

After you respond, you'll receive brief feedback that highlights tensions or consistencies in your reasoning. Three of the eight scenarios are follow-ups that reverse the roles – asking whether the target of a preventive strike may respond in kind.

There are no right answers. The experiment is designed to reveal where you draw the line between legitimate self-defence and unjustified aggression, and whether you apply that line consistently.