The just war theory Cover Image

Teorija pravednog rata
The just war theory

Author(s): Selma Alispahić
Subject(s): Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy, Military policy, Politics and law, Studies in violence and power, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: Filozofsko društvo THEORIA
Keywords: war; justice; justification; pacifism; realism; peace;

Summary/Abstract: The just war theory is one of the main approaches to the ethics of war. It is typically divided in two parts concerning the beginning of the war and fighting the war. In the paper we explain what the just war theory is and how it differs from the other approaches to the moral problems of war, such as pacifism and realism. We point out to its origins, functions and the role it has in the contemporary international law. We also point to its flaws and answer the question about its consequences, its true purpose and relation the theory has towards the possibility of establishing peace and overcoming the war and violence. The main problem of the paper is the moral acceptability of the characterization of some wars as „just“.

  • Issue Year: VI/2019
  • Issue No: 6
  • Page Range: 31-53
  • Page Count: 23
  • Language: Bosnian