POLI 381 Study Guide - Comprehensive Midterm Guide: Jus Ad Bellum, Summa Theologica, Wage War

• School: University of Calgary
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POLI 381
• Professor: Gavin Cameron

Document Summary

Concept that exists in islamic and christian doctrine and has parallels with justification for war in the book of joshua. Distinction between jus ad bellum and jus in bello within christian thinking on war. Jus ad bellum justification for war. Jus in bello conduct of war (how do you conduct the war) The first significant person to think of this was st. augustine (354-430. Just treatment of prisoners and conquered people. Mercy shown to the defeated especially if they are no longer a threat to peace. We could also look at st. thomas aquinas (1225-1274) Developed concepts of just war to reconcile moral imperatives of pacifist early church with realities of leaders that needed to defend their people. Outlined theory in the summa theologica: just cause. Those who are attacked should be attacked becausde they deserve it on account of some fault. They had to have actually done something wrong. You cannot wage war simply because you are stronger.