Lecture on Just War Theory

Introduction

Just War Theory: Framework for questioning the ethics of war.
Historical context: Exists since ancient civilizations, formalized by Catholic theologians like Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Core dilemma: Reconciling the wrongness of taking life with the necessity of defending the state.

Jus ad Bellum (Justice before War)
- Reasonable Chance of Success: States must have a likelihood of winning to justify war.
- Attempts at Negotiation: All peaceful alternatives should be exhausted.
- Intention: War should aim to right a wrong, not for material gain.
- Proportionality: Response should be proportional to the original harm.
- Proper Authority: Only sovereign states have the right to declare war.
Jus in Bello (Justice during War)
- Protection of Non-combatants: Civilians, prisoners, and surrendered soldiers should not be harmed.
- Moderation in Combat: Destruction should be for military necessity, not total destruction.
- Prohibition of Mass Destruction: Weapons causing widespread harm are banned.
- Fair Treatment of Prisoners: No torture or inhumane treatment.
Jus Post Bellum (Justice after War)
- Ethical Endings: Wars should end with apologies, negotiations, and proportional terms.
- Restoration: Peace treaties, environmental repair, war crime trials, and reparations may be necessary.
- Responsibility of Leaders: Leaders bear the primary burden of restoration.

Pacifism: Rejects all war as immoral.
Consequentialism: Focuses on outcomes; aims for minimal harm and cost.
Intrinsicism: Looks at the inherent morality of acts, e.g., protection of medics.

No Strict Ethical Framework: Interpretation can vary widely.
Dehumanization: Wars often dehumanize opponents, just war theory seeks to prevent this.
Motivation for War: Should only be for protection, not resources or power.