Single Idea 23569

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / a. Just wars]

Full Idea

There is a single and only just cause for commencing a war, namely, a wrong received.

Gist of Idea

The only just cause for a war is a wrong received

Source

Francis de Vitoria (On the Law of War [1525], p.170), quoted by Michael Walzer - Just and Unjust Wars 04

Book Reference

Walzer,Michael: 'Just and Unjust Wars' [Penguin 1984], p.62


A Reaction

Walzer affirms this as one the principles of international law. In particular, mere differences of religion or politics cannot justify a war. The tricky bit is when the participants don't agree on the severity of the wrong.

Related Idea

Idea 23570 The only good reason for fighting is in defence of rights [Walzer]