Philosopher Ed Feser argues that if President Trump decides to take military action against the Mexican drug cartels, he is justified in doing so according to traditional Just War principles.
Generally agree with this excellent review of just war theory in regard to the cartels.
However, it could be argued that the "last resort" test has not been met. All our efforts against drugs have been aimed at the supply side; very little against the demand side, i.e,, the users. On the other hand, it might be argued that drug use has become so widespread that stopping the traffic is not feasible through criminal pursuit, and therefore the last resort test has been met.
Interesting and well written as always by Mr Feser. I wonder how - following the same criteria - an analysis of the actions taken by both Israel and Hamas in Gaza would look like? Looked at from both sides and beginning before Oct 7th and up to the present.
Simplistically, one may reasonably equate Islamic terrorists with cartels hence just war theory is as applicable for Israel as for the USA. Beyond that, the rogue state supported Islamic FTOs are a far greater threat to their Little Satan Israel than the FTO Cartels are to the USA, Islam’s Big Satan.
These arguments come closer to whitewashing than to true arguments. They would no doubt satisfy warmongers, but would have no effect on skeptics They most certainly did not not convince me.
Generally agree with this excellent review of just war theory in regard to the cartels.
However, it could be argued that the "last resort" test has not been met. All our efforts against drugs have been aimed at the supply side; very little against the demand side, i.e,, the users. On the other hand, it might be argued that drug use has become so widespread that stopping the traffic is not feasible through criminal pursuit, and therefore the last resort test has been met.
Interesting and well written as always by Mr Feser. I wonder how - following the same criteria - an analysis of the actions taken by both Israel and Hamas in Gaza would look like? Looked at from both sides and beginning before Oct 7th and up to the present.
Simplistically, one may reasonably equate Islamic terrorists with cartels hence just war theory is as applicable for Israel as for the USA. Beyond that, the rogue state supported Islamic FTOs are a far greater threat to their Little Satan Israel than the FTO Cartels are to the USA, Islam’s Big Satan.
These arguments come closer to whitewashing than to true arguments. They would no doubt satisfy warmongers, but would have no effect on skeptics They most certainly did not not convince me.