In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First, the authority of the sovereign. Secondly, a just cause. Thirdly, a rightful intention.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the concept of a just war, presenting three essential components that are necessary for a war to be morally justified. It outlines the criteria for evaluating the ethical legitimacy of engaging in armed conflict.
The first requirement stated is the authority of the sovereign. This suggests that a war must be initiated by a legitimate governing body or authority that has the rightful power to declare war on behalf of its constituents. It emphasizes the importance of having a recognized and legitimate decision-making entity to ensure that the use of force is authorized and sanctioned within the established governance structure.
The second criterion is a just cause. This implies that a war must have a valid and morally defensible reason for its initiation. It suggests that there should be a clear justification based on principles such as self-defense, protection of innocent lives, or the preservation of essential values and freedoms. A just cause entails a situation in which the potential benefits of engaging in warfare outweigh the potential harm caused by the conflict.
The third requirement mentioned is a rightful intention. This implies that the objective of the war must be oriented towards achieving a just outcome or resolution. It suggests that the intention behind engaging in armed conflict should be rooted in promoting peace, justice, or the protection of basic human rights. A rightful intention ensures that the use of force is guided by ethical considerations and seeks to establish a more equitable and stable future.
Overall, this quote highlights the complex moral considerations surrounding the justification of war. It emphasizes the need for a legitimate governing authority, a just cause, and a rightful intention to ensure that armed conflict aligns with ethical principles. By setting these criteria, it invites critical analysis and reflection on the moral implications of engaging in warfare, encouraging a thoughtful evaluation of the circumstances under which war may be morally justified.
Who said the quote?
The quote "In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First, the authority of the sovereign. Secondly, a just cause. Thirdly, a rightful intention." was said by Thomas Aquinas (Bio / Quotes). Thomas Aquinas was a medieval Italian philosopher and theologian who is best known for his work "Summa Theologica.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One compelling historical example that illustrates the message of the quote, which is attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas in his Summa Theologica, is the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896. This conflict is often cited for its brevity and its clear alignment with the criteria for a just war.
The Anglo-Zanzibar War was fought between the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. It lasted between 38 and 45 minutes, making it the shortest recorded war in history. The conflict emerged from a power struggle following the death of Sultan Hamoud bin Mohammed. The British Empire supported a rival claimant to the throne, Sultan Khalid bin Barghash, who was seen as more favorable to British interests. When Khalid’s rule was established without British approval, the British, seeking to maintain their influence and ensure their preferred candidate's ascendancy, issued an ultimatum.
This war highlights the three criteria for a just war as outlined by Aquinas:
Authority of the Sovereign: The British Empire, as a colonial power with significant influence over Zanzibar, acted with the authority it believed it had as a sovereign entity, although this authority was heavily contested and not universally recognized.
Just Cause: The British Empire's cause was primarily driven by strategic interests and the desire to maintain control over Zanzibar rather than a broadly recognized moral or ethical cause. The justification for the war was framed around the need to protect British interests and support a ruler who would align with British policies, which, while strategically motivated, was not universally perceived as a just cause in the ethical sense.
Rightful Intention: The intention behind the conflict was to restore a favorable ruler and maintain geopolitical influence rather than to correct a significant moral wrong or promote the welfare of the Zanzibari people. This intention can be seen as lacking in the moral dimension typically required for a war to be considered just.
Although the Anglo-Zanzibar War may not fully meet the ideal of a just war from a modern ethical perspective, it provides a clear historical example of how the criteria for a just war were applied in practice. The war was decisively quick, demonstrating the overwhelming power of the British Empire and reflecting the strategic rather than moral motives behind the conflict.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote by St. Thomas Aquinas can be applied to contemporary conflicts to evaluate their legitimacy and ethical standing. Consider a modern situation where a nation contemplates military intervention in another country. The quote provides a framework for assessing whether such an action can be deemed just:
Authority of the Sovereign: The first criterion requires that the intervention be sanctioned by a legitimate authority. For instance, a country should not unilaterally engage in military action without the backing of international bodies like the United Nations or a clear legal mandate. If a country acts without such authority, it risks violating international law and the principle of state sovereignty.
Just Cause: The second criterion emphasizes that the reason for the intervention must be morally sound. A contemporary example might be a country intervening to prevent a humanitarian crisis or genocide. For instance, if a country decides to intervene in a situation where there is clear evidence of widespread human rights violations, such as in the case of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, it could be argued that the cause is just. The intervention aims to stop mass atrocities and protect innocent lives.
Rightful Intention: The third criterion requires that the intention behind the intervention be noble and not driven by ulterior motives such as territorial gain or economic benefits. For example, if a country intervenes to stabilize a region and ensure peace, rather than to exploit resources or expand its influence, it aligns with rightful intention. The focus should be on the well-being of the affected population and the restoration of peace, not on self-serving interests.
Applying these criteria helps to scrutinize the ethical basis of military actions and ensures that such decisions are grounded in moral reasoning rather than purely strategic or opportunistic motives. This approach encourages policymakers to reflect deeply on the justification for war and to consider the broader implications of their actions on international relations and human lives.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
