Friedrich Nietzsche

the paradox of the just war theory

The paradox of the just war theory is an interesting one, indeed. On one hand, it implies that a war can be waged for a just cause, but on the other hand, it is difficult to imagine a war that is actually 'just' in the strictest sense. After all, how can one justify killing another human being for any reason? It is a rather perplexing concept that has been debated for centuries, and despite the best efforts of philosophers, theologians, and politicians, the paradox remains. My own thoughts on the matter are rather humorous, I must admit. How can we expect to have a 'just' war when the very notion of war itself is inherently unjust? A war is a conflict between two opposing sides, and each side believes that it is in the right. But how can both sides be in the right? It is an impossible task and the very definition of a paradox. This is why I believe the just war theory is nothing more than a philosophical excuse for those who seek to wage war. We can talk about a 'just' war until the cows come home, but in the end, war is war, and no amount of philosophical musings will alter that fact. War is a cruel and ruthless affair, and it is not something to be taken lightly.