How do Wetilitarianism apply in war?

Formalizing this idea and filling in a few details, we can say that utilitarianism entails the following principle: A state is morally justified in waging war if and only if no other course of action available to it would result in greater expected well-being; otherwise, waging war is wrong.

What does utilitarianism say about war?

THE UTILITARIAN WAR PRINCIPLE (UWP) Consequentialism entails that it is morally right for a state to wage war if and only if no other course of action would have better results. Call this the Consequentialist War Principle (CWP).

What are the ethics of war?

The ethics of war explores the moral limits and possibilities of conflict. The argument proceeds from a just war standpoint which balances rules or principles against the moral capacities and dispositions of belligerents and the particular circumstances in which they act.

Is just war theory utilitarian?

Benefits of a Rule-Utilitarian Perspective on Just War In the case of the rules imposed by just war theory, we need to recognize that these rules have been chosen over the course of history because they maximize expected utility within the realm of activity they are designed to govern.

What is wrong with utilitarianism?

Perhaps the greatest difficulty with utilitarianism is that it fails to take into account considerations of justice. We can imagine instances where a certain course of action would produce great benefits for society, but they would be clearly unjust.

Who is the father of utilitarianism?

Jeremy Bentham
Jeremy Bentham was a philosopher, economist, jurist, and legal reformer and the founder of modern utilitarianism, an ethical theory holding that actions are morally right if they tend to promote happiness or pleasure (and morally wrong if they tend to promote unhappiness or pain) among all those affected by them.

What are the rules of the just war theory?

Since the end of World War II it has become customary to add three other conditions: (1) there must be a reasonable chance of success; (2) force must be used as a last resort; and (3) the expected benefits of war must outweigh its anticipated costs.

What are the 3 principles of jus in bello?

The rules of jus in bello aim to confine the destructiveness of war, rule out certain kinds of weapons, protect civilians, and limit the area and range of fighting.