Just War Theory in the western tradition, including ethical reasons for going to war, ethically fighting a war, how to ethically bring a war to a conclusion, and how to ethically transition from a war will be explored with case studies..
Why do nations go to war and fight? What difference does it make if a war is fought ethically? General Sherman from the Civil War said "War is Hell." Studying JWT gives students the background to understand ethical reasons nations go to war.
Just War Theories were developed from religious thought and tradition.
Biblical faith is intended to interact with real-life complex issues. Core values are defined, and then through a process of reasoning, careful ethical application is made.
If those engaged in understanding or resolving Just War decisions, they will need to guide and shape their colleagues, institutions, and governments to act more ethically.
The military environment is a unique ministry context, and this course will help those involved with understanding and deciding national decisions to go to war to apply broader biblical principles in this challenging field.
A large dynamic in Just War Theory inolves resolving issues with competing and varied cultures. Just War Theory seeks to understand and resolve many of these cultural issues in a way that minimizes harm.
Ethics asks, what is the right thing to do? It is very practical.
Ethics cannot be applied without a case or situation. Learners would bring hisotrical case studies to the table for discussion.
