St. Augustine and the Theory of Just WarThe decline of the Roman Empire gave rise to two problems, which combined to form one of the most perplexing philosophical questions of late antiquity. On the one hand, Rome found itself under constant military threat as various tribes from the north and east encroached along its borders to fill the power vacuum left by the receding Empire. On the other hand, adherents to the Empire's new official faith - Christianity - found themselves without clear guidance as to what military roles their faith would permit; the death of the apostles left them without revelatory guidance, and the New Testament writings were not definitive on the subject. The question, then, became: "Can a Christian answer the empire's call to military duty and still answer a clear conscience before God?" Fifth-century philosopher, St Augustine of Hippo, sought to provide a solution to the two problems. His approach formed the foundation of the 'just war' tradition, which has had enormous influence upon moral-philosophical thought on military issues in the West ever since. This major new study identifies the fundamental Augustinian premises and evaluates them in light of historical, neo-Platonic, and Christian contexts. It also identifies the effect of the Augustinian legacy upon medieval and modern philosophical reflections on the nature of warfare and on how war might be waged justly and morally. |
From inside the book
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Page 5
... punishing of criminals or in coercing religious practice),43 which, if carefully considered in tandem with his just-war pronouncements, do much to illuminate his views on just war. The consistency evident in his expression of these ...
... punishing of criminals or in coercing religious practice),43 which, if carefully considered in tandem with his just-war pronouncements, do much to illuminate his views on just war. The consistency evident in his expression of these ...
Page 9
... punishment of evil . Comparative justice Although war exists as an ethical possibility , there also exists a strong presumption against the resort to war as a means to resolve difficulties . Comparative justice requires – in addition to ...
... punishment of evil . Comparative justice Although war exists as an ethical possibility , there also exists a strong presumption against the resort to war as a means to resolve difficulties . Comparative justice requires – in addition to ...
Page 17
... punishment; or rather, I am inclined to think, it is sufficient that the aggressor should be brought to repent of his wrong-doing, in order that he may not repeat the offence and that others may be deterred from doing wrong.19 ...
... punishment; or rather, I am inclined to think, it is sufficient that the aggressor should be brought to repent of his wrong-doing, in order that he may not repeat the offence and that others may be deterred from doing wrong.19 ...
Page 18
... punishment, inasmuch as they were acting – not on their own behalf, but – as instrumentalities of the state: 'Not only must we show consideration for those whom we have con- quered by force of arms but we must also ensure protection to ...
... punishment, inasmuch as they were acting – not on their own behalf, but – as instrumentalities of the state: 'Not only must we show consideration for those whom we have con- quered by force of arms but we must also ensure protection to ...
Page 21
... punished for their actions . Concerning the Emperor's motive in assigning punishment to the Christians , Ambrose argues that , given the choice between ' a show of discipline ' and ' the cause of religion ' , ' It is needful that ...
... punished for their actions . Concerning the Emperor's motive in assigning punishment to the Christians , Ambrose argues that , given the choice between ' a show of discipline ' and ' the cause of religion ' , ' It is needful that ...
Contents
1 | |
14 | |
3 Augustines JustWar Theory | 44 |
4 NeoPlatonism and the Augustinian Just War | 92 |
5 Christianity and the Augustinian Just War | 121 |
6 Augustines Theory and Beyond | 161 |
Bibliography | 180 |
Index | 191 |
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Common terms and phrases
Ambrose Amorites Ante-Nicene Fathers army Augus Augustine argues Augustine takes Augustine's just-war theory Augustinian authority Bainton barbarians bellum principle Book of Psalms Catholic cause Christ Christian Church Cicero Cirta citizens City of God claim comparative justice considered defence doctrine Donatist earthly city enemy evil example exists fact faith Fathers Faustus the Manichaean fight Gilson God’s Hence hierarchy History human Ibid injustice James Turner Johnson Jesus jus ad bellum jus in bello justified kind Letter Lord's Sermon Manichæan means merely moral Moses nation nature Neo-Platonic Nevertheless NPNF VII NPNFI Old Testament one’s pacifist Patristic writers peace philosophical Plato Plotinus political position Princeton problem Psalms punishment reason Reply to Faustus result right intention righteous Roman Empire Rome says Augustine Scriptures soldiers sovereign specifically temporal things tine tion Translated true justice ultimate University Press violence violent action virtue wage wars fought writings York