Just war theory - R.F.

R.F. Ethics

Jus ad Bellum

Criteria used to decide whether going to war is morally justified before war begins.

Nature of Just War Theory

Teleological in aim (peace) and deontological in rules (criteria must be followed).

Just, Let, Loving, People, Reproduce

Just cause

Last resort

Legitimate authority

Probability of success

Right intention

Just Cause

War must be fought for a morally good reason, such as self-defence or protecting the innocent.

Last Resort

War is only justified after all peaceful options have been exhausted.

Legitimate Authority

Only proper authorities (e.g. governments) can declare war.

Probability of Success

There must be a reasonable chance of success; pointless wars are unjust.

Right Intention

The aim of war must be peace, not revenge, power, or economic gain.

St Augustine on War

Supported Just War Theory; argued that “War should be waged with the aim of peace.”

Chilcot Report (2016)

Found the UK entered the 2003 Iraq War too early; war was not a last resort.

Martin Luther King Jr on Violence

Critic of Just War thinking; argued that “Violence only creates more problems.”

Jus in Bello

Moral rules governing how war should be fought.

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Discrimination

Proportionality

Responsibility

Discrimination

Only legitimate military targets may be attacked; civilians must be protected.

Proportionality

Force used must be minimal and proportionate to the threat.

Proportionality Test
Uses the idea of “minimum necessary force” to limit damage in war.

Responsibility

All individuals and states must take responsibility for actions and harm caused in war.

Modern Warfare Challenge

Drones, cyberwar, and AI blur the line between combatants and civilians.

Iraqi Civilian Deaths

At least 150,000 Iraqi civilians were killed during the Iraq War.

Jus Post Bellum

Ethical responsibility to create a just, fair, and lasting peace after war.

Pacifism

Ethical view that rejects violence and war as morally wrong.

Jesus and Pacifism

Taught non-violence: “Turn the other cheek” (Matthew).

Old Testament View on Violence

More violent ethic; “Eye for an eye” (Exodus).

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Absolute Pacifism

Nuclear Pacifism

Relative Pacifism

Selective Pacifism

Active Pacifism

Absolute Pacifism

• Completely rejects the thought of war. 

• Quakers: “We utterly deny all outward wars.” (1660 Peace Declaration

• However, a Realist Christian said:“Sometimes war is necessary to protect the innocent.”

Nuclear Pacifism: 

• Immoral and unjustifiable for nations to hold any nuclear/chemical weapons.  

• Pope Francis argued for nuclear pacifism, stating that, “The very possession of nuclear weapons is immoral.”

• However, the supporters of nuclear war argue “Peace through strength.” (Common deterrence slogan) Nuclear Pacifism: 

Relative Pacifism

• Refuses violence & war but accepts that war could be a lesser of two evils.

• “War may be the lesser of two evils.” (General ethical principle)

• However, Kant argued “Act only on that maxim which you can will to be universal.”

→ suggests you can't justify breaking moral rules even “relatively”.

Selective Pacifism

• Only a pacifist about certain methods and actions - some argue this isn’t even Pacifism.

• Michael Walzer (modern Just War theorist) - he argues that some weapons and tactics are always morally forbidden, no matter the situation.  “Certain acts in war are always wrong.”

• However, critics say that “Selective pacifists rely on others to fight for them.”

Active Pacifism

• Argues for political engagement to promote peace. 

• As Gandhi said, “Non-violence is a weapon of the strong.”

• Critics argue, “Non-violence cannot stop an immediate threat.”

Strength of Just War Theory

Realistic, protects civilians, limits destruction, influences international law.

Weakness of Just War Theory

Too complex, open to misuse, difficult to apply in modern warfare.