Final answer:
Libertarians recognize two types of force in self-defense: defensive force, used when an individual's rights are threatened, and retaliatory force, which is legal retribution against those who initiate force.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Self-Defense
In the context of self-defense, particularly as it concerns libertarian views, there are two distinct types of force that are considered justifiable when defending one's personal and property rights. The first is defensive force, which is employed when one's rights are under immediate threat. This form of self-defense is an individual's response to protect their own life and safety. It aligns with the notion that one has the right to defend oneself when survival is at risk.
The second type is retaliatory force. This is used as a form of retribution and is typically carried out by the legal system rather than individuals. It's the state's response to penalize those who initiated force against others. While libertarians condemn coercion and aggression, they accept the use of force in the context of defense and justified retaliation as part of a non-coercive policy framework.
Both types of force aim to uphold justice while maintaining the individual's right to self-preservation without resorting to unnecessary aggression. This distinction is critical in both understanding the philosophy behind self-defense and in the practical application of force by individuals and government bodies alike.