Views on the Essence and Justice of War
Abstract
This article explores the philosophical and ethical dimensions of war, specifically examining the Christian-rooted "Just War" theory and its criteria: Jus ad Bellum (the right to go to war) and Jus in Bello (right conduct within war). The author critically analyzes these principles, arguing that many criteria—such as the requirement for a "legitimate authority" or a formal "declaration of war"—often reflect the perspective of the powerful and fail to account for the unpredictable chaos of actual conflict. By contrasting these theories with the perspectives of Carl von Clausewitz, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Engels, the text highlights a shift from moral idealism to political realism. Clausewitz views war as an unrestrained act of violence and a continuation of politics, while Marx and Engels define a "just war" solely as the struggle of the oppressed against their oppressors. Ultimately, the author suggests that ethical assessments of wartime actions must consider the power dynamics between combatants, asserting that the right of resistance for those facing annihilation may supersede the conventional immunity of civilians on the stronger side.
Article Details
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Progoulis , N. (2020). Views on the Essence and Justice of War . Ηθική. Περιοδικό φιλοσοφίας, (1), 8–15. https://doi.org/10.12681/ethiki.22636
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- No. 1 (2005)
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