War is a destructive and violent conflict between nations or groups, often characterized by the use of weapons and the loss of lives. The question of whether war can be justified is a complex one, as there are many factors that must be taken into consideration.
On one hand, it can be argued that war is sometimes necessary in order to defend against aggression and protect the safety and security of a nation or its citizens. In cases where a country is facing imminent threats to its sovereignty or the lives of its citizens, the use of military force may be justified as a means of self-defense.
For example, the United States entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, as it was necessary to defend against the aggression of the Axis powers. Similarly, the United Nations may authorize the use of force in order to protect civilians in cases of genocide or other crimes against humanity.
On the other hand, it can also be argued that war is rarely justified and that there are often other, more peaceful and diplomatic means of resolving conflicts. Wars often have devastating consequences for both the countries involved and their citizens, and can lead to long-lasting suffering and trauma.
In addition, the use of military force can often escalate conflicts rather than resolving them, and can result in unintended consequences that further destabilize the region. It is also important to consider the ethical and moral implications of war, as it often involves the killing of innocent civilians and the destruction of infrastructure and resources.
Ultimately, the decision to go to war should not be taken lightly, as it has far-reaching consequences and should only be considered as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. While there may be situations in which war is justified, it is important to carefully weigh the costs and benefits and to consider the potential long-term consequences of military action.
Voice: When Is War Justifiable?
However, Realists agree that, due to the nature of humans, force is a necessary action to be used to maintain a just and ordered society. However, it must be noted that utility theory condones war only if it causes the greatest good for the greatest number of society. When two prima facie obligations are in conflict, then one has to consider the whole context. The intention of war cannot be simply to fight. At the same time, looking at the consequences of war -? It is far better, in my opinion, to have many generations of happy citizens living in a free society, than generations of persecuted people, enduring a miserable existence — even if a relatively small number of soldiers — and sadly, often civilians too — have to die to achieve this state of peace and freedom. Some, such as Aristotle and Cicero, justified wars of preemption, anticipation and even of empire-building, sporting, shall we say, a robust concept of defense. This is when Arjuna realizes that many of his kinsmen and old friends are among the ranks of the enemy, and is appalled by the fact that he is about to kill those he loves.
Can War Ever Be Justified?, Sample of Essays
According to Vedic injunctions, aggressors and terrorists are at once to be killed and no sin is incurred by such annihilations. These ethics of war lay the foundation for that code of understanding and righteousness for when it is justifiable to pull the trigger and take the life of another, or commit an act of war. These types of wars can also be put-up jobs like coming to the defense of Texas and not stopping until we controlled what is now the entire southwestern United States. TV shows like 24 encourage such thinking. Michael Walzer, arguably the dean of living just war theorists, explores the notion thoroughly in his book Just and Unjust Wars first published in 1977, now in its fourth edition. This article argues for a return to a more circumspect view of just war. Nevertheless this concept served to influence the writings of Roman philosopher Cicero, who in his De Officiis wrote extensively on the subject of the right to go to war.
When is War Justified: [Essay Example], 1440 words GradesFixer
With traditional rationales for just war sometimes failing to account for what certain leaders believe is a cause for war, we have embarked on an intellectual stretch to expand the definition of what constitutes a just war. In all contemplation of war, if the advocates of war need more than one approach to convince different people based upon different sensibilities, they probably are not describing a just war. If preemption is going to be a justification for war, then it must be defined with precision. There are two branches of utility theory - act and rule. Just war theory counsels that, ultimately, winning well is the best revenge. Injustice is the denial of rights and the lack of morality for the embracement of barbarism.
Is war ever justified
Counter argument However, despite these two analytical methods of justifying war, they come with a caveat. Actually, War is inevitable; can it ever judge as morally justified? The Church teaches that only a legitimate government can wage war — not, for example, terrorists; that war must be a last resort; that war cannot only be waged to do a moral deed such as saving the innocent, but it must be done for the right motives too; that the evils a war is fighting must be bad enough to justify killing; and that it is only acceptable to go to war if war will stop more evil than it causes. Having analysed the prima facie obligations, one must keep in mind that there are several other conditions that must be fulfilled before a war is said to be just Jus ad Bellum. Killing should never be the purpose of war, in fact killing of innocents or inflicting suffering cannot justifiably be done if it is avoidable. There are many types of war, however this essay will focus on military war in particular. Humanitarian Wars are those that tug at the heart strings and seem to demand justice.
Can War Be Justified?
Further, as cost-benefit analysis also should include some elements of intangibility, one must take note Of the accessory costs that came along with the war. The purpose of these duties is to determine what people ought to do in questionable moral situations. Just war theory has also influenced development of the international laws of armed conflict, for instance through the seminal Dutch lawyer Hugo Grotius 1583—1645 and in the Hague and Geneva Conventions. Conclusion War can be justified through two methods - utility theory and cost-benefit analysis. But I do not accept the trendy justification known as humanitarian wars, the efficacy of punitive wars or the advocacy of regime change absent defensive necessity or international consensus. First and foremost, the war has to be commenced for a just cause. The benefits, however, are the exact opposite.
