war and morality

• What is a type of war that involves multiple countries joining together?

  World War
• What is the significance of World War II in terms of alliances?


  It involved countries like Germany and Japan forming alliances against others like Britain.
• How did Germany's actions during World War II reflect its goals?

  Germany aimed to eradicate certain groups, such as the Jews, as part of its war efforts.
• Which countries sided with Germany during World War II?

  Japan was one of the countries that sided with Germany.
• What was Britain's role during World War II?

  Britain opposed the Axis powers, including Germany and Japan.
• A world war is or a type of war where more or less all the countries in the world go to war. May begin as a war between a few countries and allies join in until most countries are involved.
• Prime example of a world war

  World War 2. Nazi Germany tried to eradicate Jews, some countries sided with them e.g Japan, whilst others opposed it E.G Britain
• Types of War

  World War, Revolution, Civil War
• Revolution 


  A Revolution is when one group tries to overthrow the government or ruling regime.
• Why may a group have a revolution?

  This may be because they want to see change in their country, therefore they use force.
• Example of a Revolution

  The French Revolution. This was when the poor were starving and the rich were poor. Therefore, this caused the poor to demand change and the French monarchy was overthrown.
• Civil War


  A civil war is when groups within a country go to war.
• Why may groups within a country have a Civil War?

  This may be because different groups have opposing ideas of how the country should be run, or different areas might want independence.
• Example of a Civil War


  the Syrian conflict. If started in the 15th century due to a violation of human rights and is still ongoing.
• Christian view against War - “Love thy neighbour as you love yourself“


  This means that you should love others and therefore not wish to harm them, therefore you should not go to war and you should find peaceful alternatives.
• Christian view against War - quote from the bible: “Do not kill“ 


  This means that you should not go to war, as war involves killing.
• Christian view against War - “Blessed are the peacemakers” 


  This means that Christians should avoid and take peaceful steps to avoid conflict.
• Christian view against War - Sanctity of life


  Christians believe that life is a gift and should not be wasted. War involves killing, therefore life waste, so there should be no war.
• Christian justifications for going to war - Just War Theory


  Christians are willing to go to war for a just cause, including religious reasons.
• Christian justifications for going to war - ‘An eye for an eye’


  This is from the Old Testament. it means that self defence is allowed as long as the force is proportionate.
• Justifications for not going to war 


  Refugees, damage to the environment, poverty.
• Refugees as a justification for not going to war 


  Refugees are created as families leave areas for protection. Many children‘s needs cannot be met in war zones. It can take years after conflict is over before civilians are able to return to their homes, if they are still there.
• Damage to the environment as a justification for not going to war 


  This means that towns may have a lack of basic amenities. It is unlikely that shops for food and water will have re-opened after the conflict is over, which will damage the environment and health of the civilians.
• Poverty as a justification for not going to war 


  Many people will be forced into poverty as their normal source of income will be removed, with no replacement. they may have to sell anything valuable they own in order to get basic necessities.
• Preventing genocide as a justification for going to war

  Genocide is the deliberate attempt to remove or harm a race, nation, or group. This may be done by killing them, removing them from a certain area , taking away their rights or stopping inter-relationships. Going to war can stop this.
• to remove an evil dictator or leader as a justification for going to war


  Some countries or groups may wage war to overthrow a dictator, this may be within their own country (A Civil War) or outside of their country. One example of this is Syria. President Assad was removed due to a violation of human rights.
• Benefits of going to war to remove an evil dictator 


  You can choose your leader and protect your rights.
• Self defence as a justification for going to war 


  This is about protecting your life or way of life. It may include protecting allies. It can be because of a perceived threat or because of an actual threat. Some people argue that this is/isn’t worth losing human life over.
• The Just War Theory 


  Many Christians recognise that while war is morally wrong, it is sometimes inevitable. The Just War Theory is a set of guidelines that determine if a war is acceptable. It states that Governments have the duty to protect civilians. Innocent human life should be protected. It sometimes requires force though no innocent life should be taken.
• Just Causes of War.


  Attack on a region or city, Invasion, assassination , human rights violation, pre-emptive/anticipated strike.
• Some people agree that pacifism is the morally correct standpoint on war. One type of pacifism that includes this belief is absolute pacifism. Absolute pacifism is the belief that fighting in any war or killing of never okay. They believe they no matter the circumstances, you should find an alternative. They are open to doing jobs such as beinv an ambulance driver to help as long as it doesn’t harm people.
• A second view on Pacifism is conditional pacifism. This means that they also believe that war and killing is wrong, however they believe there are some exceptions to this. They believe that war is acceptable as a last resort. They believe that some oppositions to war such as genocide are worse than war.
• My views on pacifism.


  I think that conditional pacifism is the most in line with my own beliefs. i believe that hurting people, especially children and non-combatants, is not morally right in most circumstances. I believe that we should always explore alternatives when the circumstances are not extreme. I believe that a Just War may be necessary when it will stop another source of harm, but only as a last resort.
• What are the moral questions raised by war?


  1. Can peace ever be gained by war? - some people believe that wars need to be fought in order to create peace. On the other hand, other people disagree and say that no war can create peace as war in itself is not peaceful. Therefore, even after the war there will still be resentment between warring parties
  2. is the human sacrifice worth going to war and possibly ending genocide? Some people agree that it is our moral duty to protect people from genocide, whilst some people may die in the conflict, it is necessary to protect minorities.
• What do some people believe about wars and peace?

  Wars are sometimes needed to create peace.
• What is the opposing view on wars creating peace?

  No wars truly create peace due to resentment.
• What moral duty do some people believe exists regarding genocide?

  It is our duty to protect people from genocide.
• What are the arguments for and against sacrificing lives in war?

  Some believe it's necessary to protect minorities.
• What alternatives to war do some people suggest for preventing conflict?

  Peaceful negotiations and economic sanctions.
• Why is war considered a controversial moral issue?

  • Different and opposing views exist.
  • Same belief systems can disagree on war.
  • Religious and non-religious reasons influence opinions.