Just War and Pacifism
Just War and Pacifism Hey Mumbai University SYBA IDOL students! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Social Political Philosophy , exploring about – “Just War and Pacifism“. We’ll cover several key areas that will help us understand the ethical and philosophical perspectives on war and peace. Firstly, we’ll explain the justifications of war provided by Michael Walzer in his theory of just and unjust wars. This will give us insight into the reasons why some wars are considered justified while others are not. Next, we’ll discuss Walzer’s account of Jus ad bellum (Right to War) and Jus in bello (Justice during Wars). These concepts are crucial in understanding the ethical considerations before and during warfare. We’ll then explore the relevance of the just war theory for international societies. This will help us understand how these ideas impact global politics and conflicts. After that, we’ll write an exposition on Walzer’s theory of Jus post bellum (Justice after wars) and its implications on the prospects of peace. This will highlight how justice should be maintained even after a war has ended. We’ll also define pacifism and explain in detail its different types. Understanding pacifism will give us a perspective on the arguments against war and violence. Furthermore, we’ll write a note on transformational pacifism and non-violence from the Gandhian perspective. Gandhi’s approach to non-violence is a significant contribution to the philosophy of peace. We’ll then elaborate on pacifism and cosmopolitanism from the Kantian deontological ethical perspective. This will show how Kant’s ethics contribute to the discussion on pacifism. Lastly, we’ll explain the feminist care ethics perspective as a critique of the different notions of pacifism. This will provide us with a unique viewpoint on the ethics of care and its relevance to the pacifist debate. By the end of our session, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of these complex and interrelated topics. So, let’s embark on this enlightening journey together and delve into the profound discussions of Just War and Pacifism! So, SYBA IDOL Mumbai University students, get ready to unwrap the mysteries of “Just War and Pacifism” with customized IDOL notes just for you. Let’s jump into this exploration together. Question 1 :- Explain the justifications of war provided by Micheal Walzer in his theory of just and unjust wars? Introduction: Michael Walzer is a well-known philosopher who has written extensively about the moral aspects of war. In his theory of just and unjust wars, Walzer provides several reasons why going to war can be considered just or fair. This theory helps us understand the moral complexities involved in deciding when it is right to engage in armed conflict. National Liberation: Walzer argues that a war can be justified if it is fought to gain independence from an oppressive rule. When a group of people is struggling to become free and form their own nation, it is sometimes acceptable for other countries to help them. This kind of intervention can be seen as supporting the right of people to self-determination and freedom. Counter Intervention: According to Walzer, if a foreign army intervenes in a country’s civil war, other countries might have a right to step in as well. This is to balance the intervention and support fairness in the conflict. The idea is that countering an unjust intervention by another state can be morally right. Humanitarian Intervention: Walzer believes that when severe human rights abuses occur, such as mass killings or slavery, it is justifiable to intervene to stop these atrocities. In such cases, intervening to protect innocent lives and stop severe injustices is seen as a moral duty. Assistance to Legitimate Government: Walzer suggests that it is sometimes right to help a legitimate government in a civil war. However, the goal should be to support the government, not to win the war for them. The outcome of such interventions should reflect the strength and will of the local people involved, not just the power of the intervening state. Moral Urgency and Just Cause: Walzer emphasizes that a war must have a just cause. This means the reasons for going to war should be morally compelling, such as defending political independence, ensuring freedom, or protecting human life. The sacrifices made in war, including lives lost, must be for a legitimate and morally defensible purpose. Conclusion: Michael Walzer’s theory of just and unjust wars provides a framework for understanding when war can be morally justified. His justifications include supporting national liberation, countering foreign intervention, stopping severe human rights abuses, assisting legitimate governments, and ensuring that wars are fought for morally urgent reasons. This nuanced approach helps us navigate the complex ethical considerations involved in the decision to go to war, ensuring that such actions are taken with a clear moral understanding and purpose. Question 2 :- Discuss Walzer’s account of Jus ad bellum(Right to War) and Jus in bello (Justice during Wars) Introduction: Michael Walzer is a renowned philosopher who has extensively discussed the morality of war. His theory of just and unjust wars is divided into two main parts: Jus ad bellum (Right to War) and Jus in bello (Justice during Wars). These concepts help us understand when it is right to go to war and how to act ethically during war. Walzer’s ideas are essential for evaluating the fairness and morality of wars and the actions taken during conflicts. Jus ad Bellum (Right to War): Moral Justifications for War: Walzer emphasizes that deciding to go to war should be based on moral reasons. This means a country should only go to war if it has a good moral reason, like defending itself from an attack or stopping severe human rights abuses that cannot be fixed in any other way. Criteria for a Just War: According to Walzer, a war can be just if it is fought for reasons like self-defense or to correct serious wrongs. However, any war that targets innocent people or breaks established rules cannot be considered just. This ensures that wars are only fought for valid and ethical
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