War Ethics
War ethics refers to the moral principles that govern the conduct of warfare. It examines the justification for going to war, known as jus ad bellum, and the ethical treatment of combatants and non-combatants during conflict, referred to as jus in bello. These principles aim to limit the suffering caused by war and ensure that actions taken during conflict are morally defensible.
Key concepts in war ethics include proportionality, which assesses whether the harm caused by military actions is justified by the anticipated benefits, and discrimination, which emphasizes the need to distinguish between combatants and civilians. These guidelines help to promote humane treatment and accountability in armed conflicts.