Can War be Right?
Do you think war can ever be right?
When do you think it would be right for a country to go to
war?
when another country has attacked them? when another country
threatens to attack them? when a friendly country is attacked? to
protect people somewhere else in the world? for another reason?
- Write out the reasons you agree with. Can you add any of
your own?
- Design a poster with a set of rules: 'When it is right to
go to war'
Rules of War
Do you think that there can be rules of war?
If so, what rules should there be? Do you agree with these
rules? Can you add any?
do not torture anyone do not kill civilians only kill
soldiers in fighting treat prisoners fairly don't use more force
than is needed
- Design another list: The Rules of War.
A Just War
The Catholic Church has set conditions for what is called a
'Just War'. This means that if the conditions are met, the war
may be justified. (This does not mean it is good - war is never
good).
- Lawful Authority. War must be waged by a proper
power, such as a government (not just any group).
- Serious Reason. The reason for the war must be
serious.
- Final Aim. The intention of the war must be to
have a final and lasting peace.
- Last Resort. War should always be a last resort,
after everything else has failed.
- Hope of Success. There must be a reasonable hope
that the war will suceed.
- Proportionate Methods. The methods of the war must
not mean that the suffering caused or people killed is
out of proportion to the original problem.
- Copy out these rules into your files.
- Do you agree with these rules? Say why.
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Signposts
is a Painsley Small World