Tansian University Journal of Arts, Management & Social Sciences

This article focuses on the evaluationof the ethical implications of Michael Walzer’s Just War Theory. Walzer’s theory provides a structured perspective for examining the justice of armed conflict, incorporating the principles of ‘just cause’, ‘proportionality’, and ‘discrimination’. Despite the fact that Walzer’s theory is very influential and highly regarded, it has elicited severe criticisms from scholars as a result of its ethical implications, particularly in contemporary contexts marked by evolving warfare tactics and moral dilemmas. The fundamental questions are: What are the basic tenets of Michael Walzer’s Just War Theory? What are the core ethical principles in the theory? What are the ethical implications of the theory? Is Walzer’s theory applicable in historical and contemporary conflicts? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the theory? These and other related issues are the basic concern of this article. Employing analytical and evaluative methods of philosophical enquiry, this article examines the ethical implications of key components of Walzer’s theory such as the criteria for just cause, the principle of discrimination and the concept of proportionality in the use of force. It also assesses its applicability and adequacy in addressing contemporary challenges of warfare. This study argues that Walzer’s theory provides valuable ethical framework for assessing the morality of war. Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates moral philosophy, international law and political philosophy, this study unravels the ethical strengths and weaknesses of Walzer’s Just War Theory. It maintains that there are complexities in practical application of Walzer’s ethical framework to warfare. However, the researchers argue that, despite the weaknesses of the theory, Walzer made significant contributions towards understanding the ethical issues involved in warfare. Certainly, this study contributes to ongoing discourse within the fields of ethics, political theory, human and international relations.

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