Ethics of War and Conflict
War raises moral questions about justification and conduct. Just War Theory allows war for just causes like self-defence, emphasising proportionality ...
War raises moral questions about justification and conduct. Just War Theory allows war for just causes like self-defence, emphasising proportionality and proper authority (Aquinas, 1274; Augustine, 426). Consequentialist ethics judge war by outcomes, aiming to minimise suffering, but outcomes are uncertain (Walzer, 1977). Pacifism rejects war, advocating diplomacy and non-violent solutions, though inaction can allow atrocities (Kant, 1795). Modern conflicts, including drone and cyber warfare, complicate ethics by increasing civilian risk (Singer, 2009). While frameworks guide decisions, war always involves moral compromise and should remain a last resort.
