Description
Book SynopsisCan war be justified? Pacifists answer that it cannot; they oppose war and advocate for nonviolent alternatives to war. But defenders of just war theory argue that in some circumstances, when the effectiveness of nonviolence is limited, wars can be justified.
In this book, two philosophers debate this question, drawing on contemporary scholarship and new developments in thinking about pacifism and just war theory. Andrew Fiala defends the pacifist position, while Jennifer Kling defends just war traditions. Fiala argues that pacifism follows from the awful reality of war and the nonviolent goal of building a more just and peaceful world. Kling argues that war is sometimes justified when it is a last-ditch, necessary effort to defend people and their communities from utter destruction and death. Pulling from global traditions and histories, their debate will captivate anyone who has wondered or worried about the morality of political violence and military force. Topics discussed
Table of Contents
Foreword: Can War Be Justified?David M. Barnes
Opening Statements
1. War Cannot Be Justified
Andrew Fiala
2. War Can Be Justified
Jennifer Kling
Round of Replies
3. Response to Kling
Andrew Fiala
4. Response to Fiala
Jennifer Kling
Concluding Arguments
5. Summary of the Argument Against War and Conclusion
Andrew Fiala
6. Summary in Defense of Just War Theory and Conclusion
Jennifer Kling
