Why War? The Just War Theory and War in Contemporary Human Society

This book has critically evaluated Thomas Aquinas concept of just war theory as contained in his magnum opus, the Summa Theologica published in 13th century. It explored the legitimacy and justification of war, mainly in relation to the just war tradition and how it could serve as a panacea to war in contemporary human society. The views of some scholars were highlighted to gain an intellectual background and framework on the subject matter. According to the study, the concept of just war was said to originate from the Latin words:" bellum iustum" which means a doctrine or a tradition of military ethics which is studied by military leaders, theologians, ethicists and policy makers. It refers to a set of rules that is aimed at ensuring just practices in war. Aquinas recommends three principles that should ensure just practices in war. They are legitimate authority, just cause and right intention. The author argued that the just war tradition is an inadequate and flawed system on which to judge when a war is just or unjust in contemporary human society.

Autorentext

Oko Thomas Odey, Ph.D hails from Ijegu Yala L.G.A Cross River State, Nigeria. He is a priest of Ogoja Diocese. He bagged a Ph.D degree in Conflict, Peace and Strategic Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is pursuing a second Ph.D in Moral Philosophy at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria.