Study Guide
Robert Phillips - Just War Theory
1. What does Just War Theory require in order to be justified in going to
war?
2. What does Just War Theory require in order to justify the waging of war?
3. Explain the Principle of Double Effect.
4. What is the Principle of Proportionality? What is the doctrine of "minimum
force"? According to Phillips, can the use of minimum force be disproportionate?
5. What is Phillips' main point about Proportionality?
6. Supporters of Just War Theory see an important moral distinction between
killing in war and murder in what two cases?
7. Phillips considers a pacifist view that there is no moral distinction
between killing in war and murder and a second view that holds killing non-combatants
is murder, while the death of an aggressor combatant in wartime is morally
acceptable. Explain the two different conclusions that have been drawn from
this second view, the first of which results in pacifism by default and the
second of which is represented by Sir Arthur Harris.
8. According to Phillips, what is the proper target of the discriminant use
of force in war?
9. What is Phillips' point in discussing the Utilitarian objection involving
Jones and Smith?
10. How does Phillips respond to the Utilitarian objection involving Jones
and Smith? In particular, what is the point of the example of suicide and
the point about taking prisoners?
11. What does Phillips say about distinguishing combatants from non-combatants?
12. According to Phillips, what justifies the death of a non-combatant?