Authority - War has to be authorised by a just Authority - Head of country or state government
Cause - A Just cause for going to war (Why is war being considered?) Augustine said 'A just war is wont to be described as one that avenges wrongs, when a nation or state has to be punished for refusing to make amends for wrongs inflicted by its subjects, or to restore what have been seized unjustly'
Intention - Just intention (Looking to the desired outcome of war) - Included to prevent rulers declaring war to destroy a country for a totally unrealistic cause
Proportionality - Proportionality between the injustice that lead to considering war and the possible response - important in order to not cause unnecessary force (nuclear weaponry, biological warfare)
Last Resort - War must be a last resort, all alternative ways of reaching a resolution must be taken first - peace is always preferable.
Reasonable Chance of Success - To avoid certain destruction though futile resistance - with no chance of winning there is pointless destruction and pain caused
Comparative Justice - The claims of both sides must be addressed equally - it is believed to encourage human equality and respect

	Created by katie.browell almost 10 years ago

A Levels Ethics AS Note on Just War Theory, created by katie.browell on 05/07/2014.

Just War Theory