Just War, An Objective Definition

 

Just War Objective Definition:

Perceptual Level Roots and Basic Fundamental Axioms:

• Human beings have inherent rights to life, liberty, and security. This is a fundamental axiom of just war theory, rooted in the observation that all humans share these basic needs and desires.
• States have a responsibility to protect their citizens from harm. This responsibility stems from the social contract between the state and its citizens, where citizens give up some individual freedoms in exchange for the state's protection.
• War is a last resort. This means that all other peaceful means of resolving a conflict must be exhausted before resorting to war. This axiom recognizes the destructive nature of war and the importance of seeking peaceful solutions whenever possible.
• War must be fought with proportionality. This means that the force used must be proportionate to the threat posed by the enemy. This axiom aims to minimize unnecessary suffering and destruction.
• War must be fought with discrimination. This means that combatants must distinguish between military targets and civilians, and avoid targeting civilians whenever possible. This principle reflects the moral imperative to minimize harm to innocent people.

Additional Intermediate Steps and Intermediate Principles:

• Just cause: The war must be fought for a just cause, such as self-defense, the defense of others, or the prevention of humanitarian atrocities.
• Right intention: The war must be fought with the right intention, which is to restore peace and justice, not to achieve personal gain or revenge.
• Legitimate authority: The war must be authorized by a legitimate authority, such as the government of a state or the United Nations Security Council.
• Probability of success: There must be a reasonable chance of success in achieving the war's objectives.
• Last resort: All other peaceful means of resolving the conflict must have been exhausted.

Measurable Essential Characteristics and Distinguishing Characteristics:

• Proportionality: The force used must be proportionate to the threat posed by the enemy. This can be measured by comparing the number of casualties on both sides, the amount of damage inflicted, and the duration of the conflict.
• Discrimination: The war must distinguish between military targets and civilians. This can be measured by the number of civilian casualties compared to military casualties.
• Right intention: The war must be fought with the right intention. This is more difficult to measure, but can be assessed by examining the stated goals of the war and the actions of the warring parties.

Definition of Just War:

A just war is a war that meets all of the following criteria:

• It is fought for a just cause.
• It is fought with the right intention.
• It is authorized by a legitimate authority.
• There is a reasonable chance of success.
• All other peaceful means of resolving the conflict have been exhausted.
• The force used is proportionate to the threat posed by the enemy.
• The war distinguishes between military targets and civilians.

Criteria for an Objective Definition:

• Accuracy: The definition must accurately reflect the concept of just war as it is understood by experts in the field.
• Clarity: The definition must be clear and unambiguous, so that it can be easily understood and applied.
• Neutrality: The definition must be neutral, meaning that it does not favor any particular side in a conflict.
• Universality: The definition must be applicable to all wars, regardless of the time, place, or circumstances.

Validity of the Definition:

The definition provided above meets the criteria for an objective definition. It is accurate, clear, neutral, and universal. It is based on the fundamental axioms and principles of just war theory, and it takes into account the essential characteristics and distinguishing characteristics of just wars.

Generality and Universality:

Based on current knowledge, the definition provided above is general and universal. It applies to all wars, regardless of the time, place, or circumstances. However, it is important to note that just war theory is a complex and evolving field, and there is ongoing debate about the interpretation and application of its principles.

Conclusion:

The definition of just war provided above is an objective definition that meets the criteria for accuracy, clarity, neutrality, and universality. It is based on the fundamental axioms and principles of just war theory, and it takes into account the essential characteristics and distinguishing characteristics of just wars. However, it is important to note that just war theory is a complex and evolving field, and there is ongoing debate about the interpretation and application of its principles.