The Thomistic Institute

Thomas Aquinas on War | Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.

Oct 16, 2024
Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., a Dominican priest and scholar on Aquinas, delves into the moral nuances of just war theory. He explains how Aquinas views peace as more than the absence of conflict, emphasizing the importance of justice and charity in warfare. The discussion touches on the moral criteria for declaring war and the need for virtuous intentions. Fr. Cuddy highlights that military actions should align with moral virtue to achieve a greater good, ultimately guiding us toward lasting peace.
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INSIGHT

Peace and Inclinations

  • Peace is the union of one's inclinations, both internally and externally.
  • Humans are naturally inclined towards goodness and truth, not evil and error.
INSIGHT

Intentional Peace

  • True, lasting peace requires intentionality and deliberation, not accidental happiness.
  • One cannot be united with God rationally if their sensual desires are disordered.
INSIGHT

Peace as the Aim of Just War

  • Just wars aim for peace, not its absence.
  • Peace is the formal purpose of just war, not an afterthought.
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