Just war theory's criteria for when war is justified and how it should be conducted, from an intro ethics course.
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- What does just war theory attempt to do?
- Identify moral criteria for determining when military force is ethically justified and how it should be conducted.
- What is jus ad bellum?
- The set of criteria for determining whether it is morally justified to go to war.
- What is a just cause for war according to just war theory?
- A morally legitimate reason, such as self-defense against aggression or protecting others from grave harm.
- What does the criterion of legitimate authority require?
- Only a proper governmental authority, not private individuals or groups, may declare war.
- What is right intention in just war theory?
- The actual motivation for war must align with its stated just cause, not be driven by hatred, greed, or territorial conquest.
- What does the last resort criterion require?
- Military force should be used only after peaceful alternatives like negotiation, diplomacy, and sanctions have been exhausted.
- What is the probability of success criterion?
- A military action should have a reasonable chance of achieving its just objective and not be undertaken if defeat is certain.
- Should a state formally declare war before attacking?
- Yes, according to just war theory, a state should publicly announce its intention to use force and its reasons, rather than launch surprise attacks.
- What is jus in bello?
- The set of principles governing how war should be fought, including proper treatment of combatants and civilians.
- What is the principle of discrimination in warfare?
- Combatants must distinguish between military targets and civilians, directing force only at legitimate military objectives.
- What does proportionality require during military operations?
- The force used in an attack must be proportional to the military advantage gained and not exceed what is necessary to achieve the objective.
- What weapons are prohibited under just war theory?
- Weapons that are inherently indiscriminate or cause excessive suffering, such as chemical and biological weapons, and torture.
- How must prisoners of war be treated?
- They must be treated humanely, without torture, execution, or other inhumane treatment.
- Can military bases be targeted under the discrimination principle?
- Yes, military bases are legitimate military targets and soldiers are combatants, so targeting them does not violate discrimination.
- Under what conditions can civilian infrastructure be targeted?
- Only if it directly contributes to military operations and the civilian harm is not excessive relative to the military advantage gained.
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