Explain St Thomas Aquinas' "Just War Theory" (6 marks) Analyse a recent or historical military conflict using Just War Theory (12 marks).

For Aquinas there are 5 conditions for a just war: (1) the conflict must be just e.g. to save the lives of civilians (2) the conflict must be declared by a legitiamte authority. e.g. a government (3) there must be a likelihood of success (4) The response must be proportionate to the cause and you must use no more force than is necessary. (5) All other options (e.g. diplomacy) must have failed. Any analysis of a conflict saying why either all of these conditions are filled or a more extensive analysis as to why one of them fails.

GP
Answered by Gareth P. Philosophy tutor

3090 Views

See similar Philosophy GCSE tutors

Related Philosophy GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the statement 'God is Dead' talking about, and how is it relevant to the rise in Atheism?


What is the Euthyphro dilemma, and why does it pose a problem for theists?


Examine one argument for the existence of God.


How to study Philosophy without having to memorise


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning