What are the key principles of Just War Theory?

Just War Theory is based on principles of legitimate authority, just cause, right intention, last resort, proportionality, and probability of success.

Just War Theory is a doctrine of military ethics that is used in both secular and religious contexts to ensure war is morally justifiable. It is based on several key principles. The first is legitimate authority, which means that war can only be declared by a legitimate authority. This is typically a state or government, but in some cases, it could be an international body like the United Nations. The principle of legitimate authority is important because it ensures that war is not waged by private individuals or groups who do not have the right to do so.

The second principle is just cause. This means that there must be a valid reason for going to war, such as self-defence or protecting innocent life. War cannot be waged for reasons of revenge, conquest, or economic gain. The principle of just cause is crucial because it ensures that war is not waged for immoral or unjust reasons.

The third principle is right intention. This means that the intention behind going to war must be to achieve a just cause. The intention cannot be to cause unnecessary harm or destruction. The principle of right intention is important because it ensures that war is not waged with malicious intent.

The fourth principle is last resort. This means that all peaceful alternatives must have been exhausted before resorting to war. The principle of last resort is crucial because it ensures that war is not waged unnecessarily.

The fifth principle is proportionality. This means that the harm caused by war must not outweigh the good that is expected to come from it. The principle of proportionality is important because it ensures that war does not cause unnecessary harm or destruction.

The final principle is the probability of success. This means that there must be a reasonable chance of achieving the just cause through war. The principle of the probability of success is crucial because it ensures that war is not waged in vain.