Applied ethics

Question 1

Principles of jus ad bellum

Answer 1

1. Just cause;
2. Right intention;
3. Proper authority;
4. Reasonable chance of success; and
5. The end is proportionate to the means (related to lex talionis).

Question 2

Principles of jus in bello

Answer 2

1. Proportionality; and
2. Discrimination.

Question 3

What are some arguments against a just war?

Answer 3

• Ethics doesn’t have a place in war.
• War disrupts normal societal rules, so morality is void.
• If God requires war to be started, then it would be wrong to disobey this command.
• A sound mind (even if it is a collective one) will not always be able to make the right decision.

Question 4

St Augustine of Hippo on just war

Answer 4

• Created it as a justification for going to war and committing violent acts.
• Said it is just if the motive is to make the resolution peaceful.

Question 5

Double Effect

Answer 5

• A doctrine that permits bad actions if they are intended to be good and even if they still produce bad results, is OK.

Question 6

Rationalism

Answer 6

Based of objective reasoning.

Question 7

Empiricism

Answer 7

Explanation is justified by experience

Question 8

Intuitionism

Answer 8

There are no agreed facts or moral truths.