Applied Ethics - War

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  • Created by: Elena.S
  • Created on: 28-12-16 18:28

Utilitarianism and War (12)

  • War is morally justifiable if it leads to greater happiness for greatest amount of people
  • JS Mill: "war is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things: the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which nothing is worth a war is much worse ... A war to protect other human beings against tyrannical injustice; a war to give victory to their own ideas of right and wrong, and which is their own war, carried on for an honest purpose by their free choice - is often the means of their regenerations"
  • Similar idea: "the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"
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Kantian Ethics and War (12)

  • Kant ultimately sought peace but understood political reality is that wars take place and should be carried out using deontological principles (consequetionalist principles i.e. likelihood of success not applicable)
  • Killing is always wrong since it goes universalibility/humanity formulations of Categorical Imperative

HOWEVER...

  • Kant supported right for country to support itself
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Virtue Ethics and War (12)

  • Aristotle: "we make war that we may live in peace" <- Last Resort criterion
  • War could be considered to promote virtues i.e. courage, rightful pride, rightful indignation, temperance

HOWEVER...

  • Potential for vices: rage
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