just war theory

• Just War Theory was derived by Aquinas
• the 2 main parts to Just War Theory are:

  • jus ad bellum = the conditions when going to war might be justifiable
  • jus in bello = addresses the way in which a war must be fought
• jus ad bellum principles: (GOSPEL)

  • good reason
  • only necessary force
  • success likely
  • proper rulers
  • effects good
  • last resort
• jus in bello principles:

  • discrimination against civilians
  • proportionality of means to ends
• strengths of just war theory:

  • defines the conditions under which violence may be used, combining the wisdom of thinkers + philosophers from many centuries
  • flexible theory, growing + developing over time
  • recognises necessity of action against an aggressor
  • allows defence of the defenceless
  • doesn't allow acts of war simply because of the interests of one nation
  • remains a universal theory
• weaknesses of just war theory: (pt1)

  • terms are subjective: from one perspective, a war could be just but unjust from another; both sides will apply the theory in such a way that their claim is apparently just + yet both claims cannot surely be equally valid
  • old so arguably outdated + can't be used in modern conflicts
  • incompatible with beliefs of pacifists
  • it is just a theory: no guarantee that it will be appropriately applied or that it will necessarily be applicable to all circumstances
  • contrary to sanctity of life principle
  • unrealistic: the stronger power will always win
• weaknesses of just war theory: (pt2)

  • conditions are too simplistic + ambiguous to apply in practice
  • weapons of mass destruction demand a different approach as they break all the basic rules: capable of destroying the whole of human civilisation
  • terrorism demands a different approach as terrorists take no notice of the rules
  • many wars are only considered in hindsight