Question

Read the following reason that has been given to justify slavery and answer the question.

Obj.3 The Africans have Wars with one another: our Ships bring lawful Captives taken in those Wars.

Which statement does NOT dispute the claim made by this reasoning?

-These wars may be unjust and thus the captives may have been taken unjustly. --We are not initially responsible for the capture of slaves taken as a result of war. -Some captives are kidnapped away from their daily life and are not taken in war. -It would be a great kindness to help the captives who are being held against their will.

Answer 1

Answer: We are not initially responsible for the capture of slaves taken as a result of war.

The first statement disputes the claim because it argues that captives from wars might still be taken in an unjust way. The third statement similarly disputes the claim by arguing that not all captives are victims of combat, but some were kidnapped despite their peaceful existence. Finally, the last statement argues that even if captives were taken lawfully in those wars, it would still be a great kindness to help them.

The second statement, on the other hand, supports the claim. It argues that the capture of slaves is not our responsibility, as they have been lawfully taken during war.