“In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First, the authority of the sovereign. Secondly, a just cause. Thirdly, a rightful intention.”
- 1225 – March 7, 1274
- Born in the Kingdom of Sicily (Italy)
- Theologian, philosopher
- A representative figure of scholasticism, who systematized the relationship between the doctrines of the Catholic Church and reason through his masterpiece, the Summa Theologica
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Quote
“In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First, the authority of the sovereign. Secondly, a just cause. Thirdly, a rightful intention.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas outlines the conditions necessary for a war to be considered just according to his concept of just war theory. He asserts that there are three essential elements that must be present: authority of the sovereign, a just cause, and rightful intention. First, the authority of the sovereign means that war must be declared and conducted by a legitimate authority, such as a ruler or government, rather than by individuals or groups acting independently. This ensures that the decision to go to war is subject to governance and public responsibility.
Secondly, Aquinas emphasizes the need for a just cause—there must be a morally sound reason for engaging in warfare, such as defending against aggression, reclaiming what has been wrongfully taken, or righting a significant injustice. War should not be waged for selfish gain or conquest, but for a purpose that aligns with justice and protecting the innocent. Finally, rightful intention refers to the motivations behind going to war. The intention must be to restore peace and justice, not to seek revenge, inflict suffering, or gain personal or national advantage. War should aim to create a better and more just order than what existed before the conflict.
Aquinas lived during the 13th century, a time when wars were common, often driven by territorial disputes, political alliances, or religious conflicts. His articulation of the just war theory drew from Christian ethics and Augustinian thought to create a moral framework that could guide rulers in making difficult decisions about warfare. For Aquinas, it was not enough for a war to be fought under legitimate authority; it also had to have ethical grounds and be conducted with a noble purpose to align with Christian values of justice and compassion.
In modern times, Aquinas’s principles are echoed in discussions about international law and military ethics. The concepts of legitimate authority, just cause, and rightful intention are reflected in frameworks like the United Nations Charter and other agreements aimed at regulating armed conflict and preventing unjust wars. These principles help determine whether a conflict is morally defensible, encouraging leaders to consider the ethical implications of war beyond strategic interests. Aquinas’s insight serves as a reminder of the need for moral accountability in matters of war, emphasizing that even in the context of conflict, the goal must ultimately be the restoration of peace and the upholding of justice.
