How far is killing in warfare more justifiable than other kinds of killing?

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Anna Grinevich ©

How far is killing in warfare more justifiable than other kinds of killing?

Whether killing is more justifiable in some circumstances than other depends on which stance one takes as regards to violence in general, violence as the means of conflict solving and whether killing in warfare is actually different to other kinds of killing. Pacifists believe that violence is always wrong and cannot be used to achieve any aim, even peace and justice. The just war theory believes that although undesirable, violence is sometimes justified and killing is inevitable. There are other circumstances in which it is legally permitted to kill; this includes cases of self defense, abortion and euthanasia. The supporters of animal rights would consider violent any sort of industry that kills animals for production; one has to consider whether war is any different.

Pacifism clearly states that killing is wrong. No cause or consequence can justify killing, and no provocation can ever be considered sufficient to retaliate with methods that may and do kill. Obviously, in this case killing in war is no different, except possibly even more atrocious merely due to the much higher death toll. There are different kinds of pacifists. Christian absolutists believe that violence can be overcome by suffering. Like Jesus, such pacifists reason that turning the other cheek can be more powerful and meaningful than any violence. Political pacifists, such as Martin Luther King, have been notably successful in the past through non violent protest. For instance, the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott had hundreds of blacks avoid public transport in order to change the current segregation laws. Many were attacked; some had their houses bombed yet none retaliated violently, and eventually the segregation laws were suspended, and the movement gained massive publicity (largely due to the humanist method of protesting).

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However, not all pacifists are Christians. In certain cases Utilitarians can adopt the pacifist position – if the outcome will result in the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people. However, if for instance the head of a certain state decides that depositing a tyrannical dictator will result in fewer people will experience suffering, then warfare is chosen. Such negative Utilitarians would argue that killing is justifiable in warfare only, because it is directed at less people feeling pain, and long term peace. However, other Utilitarians may argue that if we refuse to fight than we would set ...

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