Single Idea 23570

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / a. Just wars]

Full Idea

The defence of rights is a reason for fighting. I want now to stress again, and finally, that it is the only reason.

Gist of Idea

The only good reason for fighting is in defence of rights

Source

Michael Walzer (Just and Unjust Wars [1977], 04)

Book Reference

Walzer,Michael: 'Just and Unjust Wars' [Penguin 1984], p.72


A Reaction

Walzer states at the beginning, without discussion, that his moral assumptions are based on the notion of rights. This is tricky because rights are assigned by some people to other people, and claims of rights can be challenged.