War Ethics
  • 1. War ethics, often considered a subset of moral philosophy and applied ethics, examines the moral principles and values that govern the conduct of warfare and the actions of individuals and states during times of armed conflict. This area of study encompasses critical issues such as the justification of war (jus ad bellum), the ethical limitations on the means and methods of warfare (jus in bello), and the accountability for war crimes and atrocities. Ethical questions arise regarding the justification of initiating conflict, where concepts such as national interest, self-defense, and humanitarian intervention come to the fore. Additionally, issues of proportionality and discrimination hold significant weight in discussing warfare conduct, dictating that combatants must distinguish between military targets and non-combatants, and must use force proportionate to the military advantage gained. The evolving nature of warfare, including the rise of drone warfare and cyber warfare, further complicates traditional ethical frameworks, introducing new challenges related to autonomy, responsibility, and the impact on civilian populations. In light of historical atrocities and contemporary conflicts, war ethics plays a crucial role in shaping international law, military conduct, and the broader public discourse surrounding peace and conflict, ultimately striving to minimize suffering and uphold human dignity even in the direst situations.

    Which principle of just war theory addresses the reasons for going to war?
A) Realism
B) Jus post bellum
C) Jus ad bellum
D) Jus in bello
  • 2. What does 'jus in bello' refer to?
A) Justice before war
B) Justice after war
C) Justice in the conduct of war
D) Economic justice
  • 3. Which of the following is NOT a justification for war in just war theory?
A) Protection of national interests
B) Self-defense
C) Revenge
D) Humanitarian intervention
  • 4. The principle of proportionality in war ethics refers to what?
A) Equal representation in negotiations
B) Proportion of troops deployed
C) The balance between military advantage and harm to civilians
D) The economic cost of war
  • 5. Which philosopher is most associated with modern just war theory?
A) Thomas Hobbes
B) Michael Walzer
C) Carl von Clausewitz
D) Immanuel Kant
  • 6. What is the concept of 'collateral damage'?
A) The bombing of military targets
B) Unintended civilian harm during military operations
C) A type of war strategy
D) The cost of equipment lost in battle
  • 7. What is the 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P) doctrine?
A) A military framework for intervention
B) A global commitment to prevent genocide and mass atrocities
C) A guideline for economic sanctions
D) A legal principle for war crimes
  • 8. Which ethical theory focuses on the character of the individual?
A) Virtue ethics
B) Utilitarianism
C) Consequentialism
D) Rationalism
  • 9. What role do international laws play in war ethics?
A) They provide a framework for acceptable conduct in warfare
B) They determine the outcome of battles
C) They serve as guidelines for political negotiations
D) They dictate economic strategies
  • 10. Which principle is violated by torture, even in wartime?
A) Human dignity
B) Military efficiency
C) State sovereignty
D) Moral relativism
  • 11. Which ethical approach evaluates the consequences of a war?
A) Consequentialism
B) Virtue ethics
C) Rationalism
D) Deontological ethics
  • 12. What is the ethical dilemma associated with drone warfare?
A) Rapid deployment capabilities
B) Distance from the battlefield reduces moral engagement
C) High cost of operation
D) Low precision strikes
  • 13. Which organization is dedicated to addressing war crimes and promoting international humanitarian law?
A) International Criminal Court (ICC)
B) NATO
C) United Nations
D) World Health Organization
  • 14. Which ethics framework prioritizes the moral duty of the individual?
A) Pragmatism
B) Utilitarianism
C) Cynicism
D) Deontological ethics
  • 15. What does the term 'war crime' encompass?
A) Political dissent during wartime
B) Acts of treason by soldiers
C) Serious violations of international humanitarian law
D) Any act of aggression in war
  • 16. What is a common ethical framework that opposes all forms of war?
A) Constructivism
B) Realism
C) Pacifism
D) Militarism
  • 17. What does 'double effect' refer to in ethical decision-making during war?
A) The principle that actions causing harm as a side effect can be permissible
B) Harm to the environment
C) Economic impacts of warfare
D) Costs of military operations
  • 18. Which philosopher is most closely associated with the Just War Theory?
A) John Stuart Mill
B) St. Augustine
C) Thomas Hobbes
D) Immanuel Kant
  • 19. Which international document aims to protect victims of war?
A) UN Charter
B) Hague Conventions
C) Geneva Conventions
D) NATO Agreement
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