Contemporary Papal Teaching on the Moral Problem of War | Dr. Gregory M. Reichberg
Oct 17, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Gregory M. Reichberg, a Research Professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo and an expert in military ethics and AI in conflict, shares his insights on the moral complexities of war. He discusses the historical evolution of just war doctrine within the Catholic Church, highlighting debates around pacifism and contemporary papal teachings. Reichberg emphasizes Pope Francis's cautious stance on humanitarian interventions and advocates for a deeper reevaluation of moral implications in modern warfare, linking tradition with today's global conflicts.
The evolution of the just war doctrine within the Catholic Church highlights ongoing debates around its validity and contemporary ethical considerations.
Pope Francis emphasizes legitimate defense and proportionality, revealing a shift from traditional just war principles toward promoting peace over military conflict.
Deep dives
Historical Perspective on Just War Doctrine
The just war doctrine within the Catholic Church has undergone significant evolution, characterized by periods of ambiguity and contention regarding its validity. Originally supported by Church figures like Augustine and Aquinas, the doctrine faced skepticism in the 1930s, with thinkers like Luigi Sterzo proposing that it had become obsolete in the context of international law. This shift led to the Freiborg Conventus, which suggested that states should organize in ways to avoid the need for unilateral armed force, marking a departure from previous teachings on just war. The ongoing discourse highlights that the status of just war is not dogmatic but remains a subject of debate and reinterpretation in contemporary Catholic thought, influenced by both historical context and modern ethical considerations.
Pope Francis and the Evolution of Just War Thinking
Pope Francis's perspective on just war reflects a nuanced interpretation that emphasizes the importance of peace and the challenges of applying just war principles in modern contexts. His papacy has seen a reticence in employing the term 'just war,' instead focusing on the concept of legitimate defense, which aligns with international law and a more restrictive view of warfare. Furthermore, his teachings stress the significance of proportionality and the moral complexities involved when states engage in armed conflict, particularly when humanitarian interventions are considered. By juxtaposing his views with those of historical figures like Aquinas, it becomes evident that while foundational ideas endure, the application and interpretation of warfare ethics shift dramatically within contemporary discussions.
International Law and Papal Statements
The relationship between just war doctrine and international law is complex, as modern popes have sought to affirm positive developments in global legal frameworks while discussing the use of armed force. The papal reluctance to explicitly advocate for just war is partly rooted in recognition of the evolving nature of warfare and the catastrophic consequences that can arise from military conflict in the contemporary world. Pope John XXIII and subsequent popes have emphasized peace and the importance of resolving disputes without armed conflict, reflecting a broader desire to promote dialogue and diplomacy over militaristic solutions. This approach not only reiterates the foundational elements of just war thought but also modifies them to address the ethical implications of modern warfare and the necessity for peacebuilding in international relations.
Gregory M. Reichberg is Research Professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). He is a philosopher specializing in military ethics and is currently engaged in a multi-year project on the use of artificial intelligence in armed conflict. He also writes on linkages between religion, peace, and conflict. For the last eight years he has led the Research School on Peace and Conflict, an academic consortium for doctoral students. From 2009-12 he was director of the PRIO Cyprus Centre in Nicosia, where he coordinated research and dialogue activities on the search for a political settlement to the island's division. Over the last fifteen years he has been engaged in religious dialogue on social/political issues in Iraq and other settings. Reichberg is a consultor to the Dicastery for Integral Human Development (appointed by Pope Francis in 2020).
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode