Divine Lexicon

Term

Just War Theory

Ethical guidelines for determining when and how wars can be justifiably waged, based on principles such as just cause and right intention.

Filed underSystematic Theology

Definition

Ethical guidelines for determining when and how wars can be justifiably waged, encompassing principles like just cause, legitimate authority, right intention, last resort, proportionality, and reasonable chance of success.

Sources

  1. 1.Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy “Just War Theory.”LinkOriginal citation: Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. "Just War Theory." Accessed March 31, 2025. https://iep.utm.edu/justwar/.

Last revised August 14, 2026