ABSTRACT

The just-war criteria seek to determine under what conditions and by what means war is morally justifiable. The just-war criteria discussed in the following paragraphs include the Jus ad bellum principles which Identify requisite conditions for resorting to war. A substantive position seeks to specify the content or substance within an Idea. According to James Childress the "formal" function of just-war theory is to provide a "framework," or a procedure for analyzing disputes or Issues. In contemporary discussions among just-war advocates, there is little debate around which criteria to include; that is, there is general agreement on the formal aspects of the theory. Michael Walzer reveals the connection between his views and just-war tradition when affirming the importance of resisting aggression; he writes: Resistance is important so that rights can be maintained and future aggressors deterred. The just-war tradition argues against total destruction of the enemy and unconditional surrender.