Can a war ever be ethical? If so, when? If not, why not?

Apply one of the following ideas, which we've studied in this class, to the ethics of war.

• Utilitarian ethics
• Kantian ethics
• Marxist ethics
• Natural law ethics

How would the ethics you chose, see the ethics of war? What would they say about a "just" war? Would they think there are times a war could be just? Or no?

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Imagine someone who believes the exact opposite of what you believe about the ethics of war.

But also imagine that they are a loved, respected, thoughtful, smart, and caring friend--someone you love and never want to lose as a friend.

What might they say to try to convince you of their position? What respectful, smart, and powerful argument would they make against your own position?

Be sure to make it the clearest, most convincing, most powerful version of that argument possible! Don't make it easy on yourself and make the objection to your position too silly, angry, or easy!

Is there anything in that opposite position that you'd be willing to agree with? Why or why not?