History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 247 - Onward, Christian Soldiers - Just War Theory
Feb 14, 2016
Medieval just war theory and its justification of violence. The role of the Pope in declaring war. Aquinas' three criteria for justified wars. Aquinas' doctrine of double effect in self-defense.
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Crusades' Bloody Episodes
- The First Crusade captured Jerusalem on July 13, 1099 and followed with a massacre of thousands of Muslims and Jews.
- The Fourth Crusade sacked Constantinople in 1204 and the crusade against the Cathars saw Béziers slaughtered in 1209.
Intention Justifies Medieval Violence
- Medieval thinkers reconciled Christian pacifism with justified violence by focusing on the agent's intention.
- Augustine allowed force when aimed at punishing sin and restoring peace, making intention central.
War As Extraordinary Legal Process
- Medieval jurists adapted Roman legal ideas to justify war as defense or recovery of stolen goods.
- They framed legitimate violence as an extraordinary legal process when ordinary law cannot respond.