The 4th Dimension of Self-Defense involves both the legal considerations of self-defense and the ethical issues that arise.
Brandon Oto provides a detailed tutorial on Use of Force in the United States.
Massad Ayoob on Avoiding Legal Traps.
These issues call into question the viability of the lower Paradigms. Much of the popularity of the lower Paradigms comes from their simplicity. You are good and the aggressor is bad. The aggressor attacks you, and you rightfully defend yourself. As a result, there are neither legal consequences, nor moral or ethical issues to contend with.
The 4th Dimensional Paradigm brings with it the complication that even though you believe that you are good and the attacker is bad, you may have to prove it in court. And even if you do prove it on a legal basis, there are also ethical issues to be considered.
Therefore, the 4rd Dimensional Paradigm adds even more modifications to the "truths" of the earlier Paradigms.
1. The aggressor is no longer pre-defined as "bad" and the defender as "good". The definition now resides in the hands of the Court and legal system after the fact.
2. The use of the physical skills of the 1st Dimension are now called into question. To escape criminal and civil penalties, their use must be legally justified.
3. Self-defense may require pre-emptive actions in order to succeed. Waiting to be attacked first may be fatal.
As a result of these "truths", the 2nd Dimensional aspects of Awareness and Avoidance becomes much more important. The very real negative consequences of engaging in the physical actions of the 1st Dimension makes the avoidance of confrontation more important.
The 4th Dimensional Paradigm is evolves self-defense from the simplicity and certainty of the 1st Dimensional Paradigm to the complexity and uncertainty of having to deal with the consequences of one's actions. These consequences have a very real impact on a person's ability and willingness to execute the physical skills obtained through 1st Dimensional training.
David Nerbovig on the ethical considerations of self-defense and martial arts training.
Recent Work on the Ethics of Self-Defense by Tyler Doggett.
Here is Marc MacYoung on:
Legal
Going to Jail For Defending Yourself
The Cost of Winning