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The idea that war is sometimes justified is deeply embedded in public consciousness. But it is only credible so long as we believe that the ethical standards of just war are in fact realizable in practice.
In this engaging book, Christopher Finlay elucidates the assumptions underlying just war theory and defends them from a range of objections, arguing that it is a regrettable but necessary reflection of the moral realities of international politics. Using a range of historical and contemporary examples, he demonstrates the necessity of employing the theory on the basis of careful moral appraisal of real-life political landscapes and striking a balance between theoretical ideals and the practical realities of conflict.
This book will be a crucial guide to the complexities of just war theory for all students and scholars of the ethics and political theory of war.
List of contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Ideas and Ideals of the Just War
Chapter 2: The Just War Creed
Chapter 3: 'Just cause' and the possibility of jus ad bellum
Chapter 4: Fighting Just Wars: Balancing Ends and Means
Chapter 5: Conclusion: Just Wars, Ideal and Non-Ideal
References
Notes
About the author
Christopher Finlay is Professor in Political Theory at Durham University.
Summary
The idea that war is sometimes justified is deeply embedded in public consciousness. But it is only credible so long as we believe that the ethical standards of just war are in fact realizable in practice.
In this engaging book, Christopher Finlay elucidates the assumptions underlying just war theory and defends them from a range of objections, arguing that it is a regrettable but necessary reflection of the moral realities of international politics. Using a range of historical and contemporary examples, he demonstrates the necessity of employing the theory on the basis of careful moral appraisal of real-life political landscapes and striking a balance between theoretical ideals and the practical realities of conflict.
This book will be a crucial guide to the complexities of just war theory for all students and scholars of the ethics and political theory of war.
Report
'Finlay's illuminating account of the conditions under which war is just is anchored in a nuanced and sensitive awareness of the moral and political realities of warfare.'
Cecile Fabre, All Souls College, Oxford
'This book is an excellent primer on contemporary just war debates. Well written, cogently explained and up to date, it is a must-read for all students of just war theory.'
Alex Bellamy, The University of Queensland
