“Just War” Doctrines
“Just War” Doctrines. St. Thomas Aquinas-- Summa Theologicae--1265-1273 Jus ad bellum Jus in belli. Just cause. Self defense protect rights from agression. Competent authority. Typically sovereign governments What about revolution? Terrorist groups? Wars of liberation. Right intention.
“Just War” Doctrines
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Presentation Transcript
“Just War” Doctrines • St. Thomas Aquinas--Summa Theologicae--1265-1273 • Jus ad bellum • Jus in belli
Just cause • Self defense • protect rights from agression
Competent authority • Typically sovereign governments • What about revolution? • Terrorist groups? • Wars of liberation
Right intention • Not for self aggrandizement • not for aggression
Proportional response • Response must be appropriate for the provocation • no over reaction
Must have a chance of winning • No suicide attacks • surrender if hopeless
Must have a chance of winning • No suicide attacks • surrender if hopeless
Peaceful alternatives must be exhausted • “give peace a chance” • not first option, but last
A war is just if: • Just cause • right intention • proper authority • proportional response • chance of winning • peaceful alternative exhausted