Just War Theory

Question 1

what are the conditions for a just war

Answer 1

• cause of war must be just
• must be fought with the intention of establishing good
• mush be a reasonable chance of success
• proportional force used from both sides
• civilians must not be targets or involved
• war must be authorised by bigger body of authority

Question 2

argument for just war theory being the best religious response (authority)

Answer 2

• has to be authorised
• example is the UN has to authorise wars between most countries
• allows for selfless thoughts to evaluate the need for war and prevents unnecessary wars

Question 3

argument for just war theory being the best religious response (result)

Answer 3

• doesnt end in overwhelming sadness or evil
• intention of war is to defeat wrong doing and promote good
• conclusion of war will be more positive and make world a better place

Question 4

argument for just war theory being the best religious response (equality)

Answer 4

• allows for fair fights
• fire power has to be propotional for war to be accepted
• prevents one side from being dominated and destroyed beyond recovery

Question 5

argument for just war theory being the best religious response (safety)

Answer 5

• no one who isnt willing to fight is hurt
• civilians arent involved in conflict
• no innocent lives are lost and it doesnt directly impact lives of people in the country

Question 6

what is a just war

Answer 6

A Just War is one which has to be fought but is conducted according to certain conditions

Question 7

argument against just war theory being the best religious response (nature of war)

Answer 7

• all war is unjust and cant be ethically supported
• because it always deals pain and suffering
• fact that people will be hurt because of government bodies can never be justified

Question 8

argument against just war theory being the best religious response (aims of war)

Answer 8

• just war removes the skills/strategies needed for war and the weight it holds
• aim of war should be to win as quickly and as cheaply as possible
• just war makes sure both sides are aware of each others power and intentions, making it unfair for the more prepared side

Question 9

personal christian attitude towards just war theory

Answer 9

• dont support war, but believe it is a part of life and shouldnt be held down by rules
• in the Bible God is frequently on the side of those waging wars that don’t conform to just war theory
• means that God doesnt need the rules to be followed