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While both Christianity and Islam teach the importance of peace, both traditions also recognise that there are circumstances in which conflict may be necessary. The Just War theory attempts to define the conditions under which war can be morally justified. This lesson explores the origins, criteria, and religious perspectives on the Just War theory.
The Just War theory is a set of criteria that must be met for a war to be considered morally justified. It was developed primarily within the Christian tradition but has parallels in Islamic thought.
| Thinker | Contribution |
|---|---|
| St Augustine (354-430) | First major Christian to argue that war could be justified in certain circumstances — to restore peace and punish wrongdoing |
| St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) | Developed three main conditions for a just war: legitimate authority, just cause, and right intention |
| Francisco de Vitoria (1483-1546) | Added further conditions including proportionality and the protection of civilians |
| Modern development | The Just War criteria have been expanded and refined over centuries |
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