Just War - Catholic Ethics Quiz

Conscientious Objection

the moral right to refuse military service on moral or religious grounds

Just Cause

the why are we going to war; to confront real and certain danger, resist aggression, protect human lives

Right Intention

the what are we trying to accomplish; to restore peace and justice; not for vengeance or gain

Legitimate Authority 

those entrusted with care for the community; only they can officially declare war

Last Resort

after all efforts for peace have tried; application can be difficult; lack of universal mediator : time is a constraint, political, social pressure and fear; incomplete intel; gradual and unclear escalation into war

Probability

serious chance of chance must exist; can’ t justify massive loss of life for hopeless outcome

Proportionality

damage inflicted and cost incurred in war must commensurate with the good expected; do only what is necessary to achieve military goal

Comparative Justice

one’s side cause must be clearly more morally right than the other’s; can’t wage war if both sides have equal claim to justice

Jus in Bello ( The Law in War )

1. Proportionality

2. Discrimination 

Discrimination

distinguishing who is a combatant and who is not, and waging war only against those who are; should not target innocent civilians

Vindication of Rights

restoring rights that were violated during conflicts; returning seized land, capital and other benefits

Reconciliation

terms of surrender must be made public, no demanding or unnecessary punishments

Restoration

victorious nation has a duty to help defeated rebuild, return nation to a functional civil society