more from Michael Walzer

Single Idea 23573

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / b. Justice in war]

Full Idea

Just wars are limited wars; there are moral reasons for the statesmen and soldiers who fight them to be prudent and realistic.

Gist of Idea

For moral reasons, a just war must be a limited war

Source

Michael Walzer (Just and Unjust Wars [1977], 07)

Book Reference

Walzer,Michael: 'Just and Unjust Wars' [Penguin 1984], p.122


A Reaction

This is rather profound, I think. Watch closely the behaviour of the good guys when they are winning the war. In general, to know someone's moral principles, the best indicator is how they behave when they have power.