Kitap 3
5.76
But, it is urged, the case 'I have a right,' 'You have not,' is similar to 'You have killed a man,' 'I was justified in so doing.' I do not deny it, but this does not make it a basis. For these statements are not propositions until the reasons for them are added. If they were propositions as they stand, the case could not proceed. Horatius has committed a crime, for he has killed his sister. He has not committed a crime, since it was his duty to kill her for mourning the death of an enemy. The question is whether this was a justifiable reason, and the basis is one of quality. So too as regards competence.
5.77
You have no right to disinherit, since a person who has been deprived of civil rights is not allowed to take legal action. I have the right, since disinheriting is not legal action. Disinheritance could only be effected by legal action. The question here is what is legal action. And we shall arrive at the conclusion that the son's disinheritance is unlawful, by use of the syllogism. See § 15. The case will be similar with all the rational and legal bases.
5.78
I am aware that there have been some who placed competence among rational bases, using as illustrations cases such as, I killed a man under orders from my general, I gave the votive offerings in a temple to a tyrant under compulsion, I deserted owing to the fact that storms or floods or ill health prevented me from rejoining. That is to say it was not due to me, but some external cause.
