A Level RS: Just War Theory

Summary

This video offers an insightful overview of Just War theory, focusing on its principles before, during, and after war. It discusses criteria like just cause, authority, and intention, and explores the complexities of applying these in real conflicts. The video also evaluates the theory's strengths and weaknesses, comparing it to pacifism and considering its relevance in modern warfare.

Takeaways

• 📚 Just War Theory is a framework for ethically assessing the legitimacy of war, as outlined in the Edexcel A Level specification.
• 🌍 The theory provides criteria for evaluating wars before (Jus ad bellum), during (Jus in Bello), and after (Jus post bellum) conflicts.
• 🔍 Just ad bellum criteria include just cause, just authority, right intention, last resort, reasonable chance of success, and comparative justice.
• 👤 Key figures in Just War Theory include Vardy, Aquinas, and Walzer, who offer insights into just cause and authority.
• 🚫 Jus in Bello emphasizes proportionality and discrimination, requiring that military actions avoid harming civilians.
• 🏛 Post-war considerations include punishment for war crimes, proportionality in punishment, discrimination in targeting, compensation for losses, and rights vindication.
• 🏳️‍🌈 The theory is criticized for being impractical, encouraging war, being too complex, and being culturally relative.
• 🤔 Critics argue that Just War Theory is an oxymoron, as war can never be just, and that it's used to justify actions that serve hidden interests.
• 🕊️ Pacifism is presented as an alternative to Just War Theory, with different forms including absolute, contingent, personal, and nuclear pacifism.
• 🔄 The script discusses the evolution of the Church's stance on pacifism and conscientious objection, reflecting on the moral implications of war.

Q & A

What is Just War Theory?

Just War Theory is a doctrine, often applied to international relations, that suggests there are specific criteria that must be met for a war to be considered morally justifiable.

What are the key criteria for a 'Just War' before the conflict begins (Jus ad bellum)?

The criteria for a 'Just War' before the conflict begins include just cause, just authority, just intention, last resort, reasonable chance of success, and proportionality.

What does 'just cause' mean in Just War Theory?

In Just War Theory, 'just cause' refers to a morally justifiable reason for going to war, such as self-defense or defense of others against aggression.

Who are the three key figures associated with the development of Just War Theory?

The three key figures associated with the development of Just War Theory are Augustine, Aquinas, and Vardy.

What is meant by 'just authority' in the context of Just War Theory?

'Just authority' implies that only legitimate governing bodies, such as the United Nations, have the authority to declare war.

How does the concept of 'last resort' fit into Just War Theory?

The concept of 'last resort' in Just War Theory suggests that war should only be waged after all other peaceful options have been exhausted.

What is the importance of 'reasonable chance of success' in Just War Theory?

The 'reasonable chance of success' criterion implies that there should be a realistic expectation of achieving the war's objectives to justify the costs and casualties of war.

What are the principles that should be upheld during the war (Jus in bello)?

During the war, principles such as proportionality and discrimination should be upheld, meaning that the force used should be proportional to the military objective and civilians should not be targeted.

Can you provide an example of a war that is discussed in the script as possibly being 'unjust'?

The script mentions the Vietnam War as an example where the principles of Just War Theory, particularly the intention to harm civilians, might have been violated.

What does 'Just postbellum' refer to in Just War Theory?

Just postbellum refers to the principles that should guide actions after the war, such as punishment proportionality, discrimination, compensation, and rights vindication.

What are some criticisms of Just War Theory mentioned in the script?

Some criticisms of Just War Theory mentioned in the script include the notion that war can never be just, that it encourages war, that it is too complex and open to interpretation, and that it is impractical.

What alternatives to Just War Theory are discussed in the script?

The script discusses pacifism as an alternative to Just War Theory, which includes absolute pacifism, contingent pacifism, personal pacifism, and nuclear pacifism.