Nicholas Fotion

Just War Theory

The primary aim of just war theory is to put restraints on war. To achieve its aim, the theory places a series of barriers in the form of principles in front of those who contemplate going to war. It asks, Do you have a just cause (a very good reason such as that you are a victim of aggression) for going to war? It also asks a series of other questions, including the following: Have you done whatever you can to avoid going to war? If a war comes to pass, it asks such questions as the following: Have you done all you can to avoid harming civilians?