Just war theory and its ethical applications

Just War

THE TWO FACES OF WAR

The Theory

The basic and universal sentiment is that war assaults people's rights to life, security, subsistence, peace and liberty (Lacewing, 2012). Some contend, however, that war is just under certain conditions, which morally justify it. This Theory consists of three parts, namely the justice of resorting to war or jus ad bellum; just conduct in war or jus in bello; and justice at the end of war or jus post bellum. The justice basis of resorting to war is grounded on six criteria, which justify it. It has a just cause. It has the right intention. It is made through the proper authority. It is made as a last resort. It has a probability of success. And it has a proportionate response. Justice in war refers to the treatment of the enemy. There is justice if weapons prohibited by international law are not used. Only combatants may be targeted and only with the minimum use of force. Military force should be proportionate to the accomplishment of the just end. The prisoners of war must receive human treatment once captured. Intrinsically evil weapons or means of war cannot be used, such as ethnic cleansing and mass rape. Military forces may not break these rules even if the enemy is doing so. And justice at the end of war requires the securing of the rights of those whose violation justified the war. The declaration of peace must be made through the proper authority. Justice governs the peace settlement on a reasonable basis, not as a form of revenge. Public and international trials for war crimes shall be conducted (Lacewing). But strictly speaking, I disagree to any kind of war.

History and Benefits of the Theory

This Theory evolved over time from military principles on philosophy, theology and politics (Jackson-Arnautu, 2012). The Catholic Church has fully adopted it as an acceptable way of applying military force. It appears to have been drawn from moral concerns and to dictate behaviors when this was deemed morally necessary. Roman philosopher Marcus Tillius Cicero and St. Thomas Aquinas are considered the early authors of the Theory (Jackson-Arnautu). They set the foundation for thousands of years whereby military force may be legitimately used (Chavez, 2012). It logically began in classical Greece and Rome and Biblical Israel. Catholic teachings were combined with Rome's concept of just war to produce this Theory in a formal way (Chavez).

The Theory protects combatants against bigger, more powerful and wealthier opponents (Chavez, 2012). Its guidelines say that war is only an option when all other peaceful means have been exhausted and failed. It also takes steps to insure the safety of innocent civilians who are not part of the war. It not only limits the loss of life among non-combatants but also outlines human behavior during combat (Chavez).

Examples of Just and Unjust Wars