learntoquestion ltq discussions

Originally posted by bigdah7 on October 14, 2025 09:34

In general, I believe that war can be justified. War isn’t a good thing, but sometimes it is necessary to occur. Take the example of wars of self-defense, should countries just roll over and not defend themselves and their citizens, as they have an obligation to do? I definitely think that consequentialism is more realistic for the modern world. For example, would you prioritize the safety of other countries’ citizens over your own soldiers? I think not. Say you kill civilians to save an untold number of your own people and end the war, would you do it? Most often I believe that people would choose to push the button. I feel that the just war theory is kind of a bridge but not really, it feels like an intrinsicist model, it is not as flexible as the consequentialist model. While war isn't great, sacrifices are always required, whether that be from soldiers or other people. Just War Theory-Jus Ad Bellum, discusses the differences on intrinsicism and consequentialism, and I believe that in the modern world, consequentialism is what we see today in the fighting in the Middle East.

I would like to believe that if I was chosen in a draft to serve my country, I would do it, because it has not happened yet. I believe it is the duty of the citizen to participate in war, whether it be unjust or just. If everyone acts according to their morals, there would be more risk of losing the war, and more tragedy. However I believe that conscientious objectors who object because of their religious beliefs have every right to do so. While nations are built on sacrifice, people who object and don’t participate in the war effort should be forced to partake in it, because while others are sacrificing, they are being cowards. It is not cowardice to serve in a war that you don’t believe in, that makes you more of a hero. If everyone acts according to self preservation or morals, war would be lost, and there would be worse consequences. These would not be realistic because there would be people who are willing to serve and do so, so we don’t have to. In the article “Between Peace and War”, it discusses how nationalism will often motivate those who are on the fringes of not surviving into doing so, it is a powerful force during war.

I disagree with McMahan; they are acting properly and with honor even when fighting an unjust war. In fact I believe that they are fighting with more honor when doing so. I believe that they can act honorably during unjust wars. While they are fighting an unjust war, refusing to serve and fight while being in the military could lead to punishment and ostracization. While in Vietnam for example, soldiers often tried to justify the cause they fought for, even while it was unjust. While some soldiers may have acted dishonorably, the majority acted with moral cause and reason. The principles of just in bello regulate the conduct of soldiers and their behavior, morally and physically. The Geneva Conventions created the rules of war and established punishments for soldiers who act morally reprehensibly, and enacted the rules of war on everyone.

I agree with the points about consequentialism being more applicable in the real world; even if intrinsicism sounds better, it is not very realistic

I do agree with McMahon's idea that war crimes and impermissible behavior cannot be allowed or encouraged, or it could have dire consequences for both the soldier and the government, and can also result in a higher amount of civilian casualties. I do think that soldiers can act honorably during war, defending their own nation is not a dishonorable thing to do, especially if the soldier is protecting his loved ones and family from a foreign invasion. Acting without cruelty and avoiding civilian areas is honorable, and treating prisoners of war with dignity and compassion is just. I think that the rules in the Just War theory do help soldiers to act honorably, as it outlines what is justified during war and what can be seen as honorable, which would help soldiers to distance themselves from cruelty.