What is a ‘Just War?’

16 Responses to “What is a ‘Just War?’”

• jonolan
  December 6th, 2011 at 12:58 pm

  Just War – Bellum Iustum – is a Catholic invention and was the only “permitted” war by the Church. So, in it’s truer form, it’s not “not merely “permissible” because no “unjust” was permissible.

  Even today Bellum Iustum forms the basis for what acts of military force – Jus ad bellum – are officially condoned by governing bodies in general, e.g., the UN, and form the basis for what is permissible during war – Jus in bello – e.g., the various Geneva Convention to-date.

  As for when was the last one – That’s a hard question to answer because it requires defined contextual limits. Jus ad bellum’s requirements are predicated upon someone else starting an unjust war.

  Think about it. WW2, from the perspective of the Allies was essentially a just war but from the perspective of the Axis it wasn’t.
• Kevin
  December 6th, 2011 at 1:21 pm

  I think that the answers to your excellent questions depends very much on the foundation or guiding premise(s) of each person’s moral compass since the questions are inherently moral questions. For me that would be a creedless (ie., sola scripturas) Christian premise.

  Viewed through that lenses… “just war” is an oxymoron. Permissible is another matter however. But I would venture that IMO the overwhelming majority of wars are inexcusable
  • Kevin
    December 6th, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    In terms of American wars… war of indepence, civil war, WWII and the initial part of the current Afghan war seem arguably permissible to me.
    • Les AuCoin
      December 6th, 2011 at 1:32 pm

      But I said “Just War,” not a war that is permitted. Google “Just War” and tell me your answer then.
    • Lavar
      December 20th, 2011 at 3:45 am

      There are no words to describe how bdoaoicus this is.
• Les AuCoin
  December 6th, 2011 at 1:33 pm

  I meant not a war that is merely permitted.
  • Kevin
    December 6th, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    IMO… only defensive war can be justified.
  • Kayli
    December 20th, 2011 at 10:39 am

    Okay I’m cnovnceid. Let’s put it to action.
• Les AuCoin
  December 6th, 2011 at 2:45 pm

  The Afghan war was “at the start” an example of just war — why?
• Toby Padgett
  December 6th, 2011 at 5:20 pm

  Hi Les, What interesting questions. First of all, it should be stated at the beginning that I am a Navy Veteran (WAVES), Viet Nam Era. The following is strictly my opinion, to which I am entitled. I also happen to believe that war is “just” only when one’s country is physically attacked. Period. I do not believe in entering wars to assist other countries in their own affairs. I do not believe in my country continuing to be the policeman for the world. I do not believe as much funding as is allocated now should be utilized for defense when there are so many here at home that are hungry, homeless, ill, and jobless. To me, Lyndon Johnson’s War On Poverty (a continuation and expansion on FDR’s New Deal) was a Very Just War. Yes, I am an FDR Democrat and an Old School Liberal. I have also seen our military from the inside. I believe in Social Programs over Defense Programs. Again, if we have not been physically attacked, I do not believe in war. I believe in taking care of our own country before jumping in to help another one. Just my tuppence.
  • Les AuCoin
    December 6th, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    Welcome Toby,

    The question has been around since the ancient Greeks and, later, Thomas Aquinas. I’m pretty anti-war, to.

    But is as simple as that? Japan attacked us, granted, but Hitler didn’t. If your definition held in the 40s, wouldn’t we be speaking German now?

    Just sayin’ …
    • Toby Padgett
      December 7th, 2011 at 10:28 am

      Hi Les,

      I agree with you in principle. FDR entered the war in the European Theater because we were friends with, and vowed to assist Great Britain. Great Britain was attacked, but was that “Attack By Proxy” as far at The US is concerned? Chamberlain and the ex-Edward VIII sold England “down the river” by trying to appease the Germans (“Peace in our time” my foot!) and if Eddie had had his way, pretty-much all of Europe would be speaking German right now. England certainly would!

      It is documented that Eddie just loved Hitler – and his great-great nephew, Prince Harry, liked to wear Nazi costumes to parties and that scares me. However, in my mind, having German spies in The US connotes “an attack” against my country (Sabotage and Conspiring to Commit Sabotage, etc.) and therefore I have no problem with why we fought in Europe during WW Two.

      Again, just my tuppence. . .
  • Donyell
    December 20th, 2011 at 5:31 am

    Kudos to you! I hadn’t thohugt of that!
• Lydia
  December 8th, 2011 at 3:20 pm

  I may have my head in the clouds for thinking this, and I don’t see how it could become reality, but until humankind commits to “no war” we will continue the march to ultimate annihilation. (I say this while continuing to war with myself concerning the pros and cons of the death penalty, so go figure.)
  • Les AuCoin
    December 9th, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    But should we have not fought back against the Japanese in in 1940s?
• Jennabel
  December 20th, 2011 at 6:17 am

  Wowza, problem soevld like it never happened.