Abstract

This research applies Just War theory to the modern issue of nuclear weapons to explore the ethical implications of their use in a nuclear war. The research includes a variety of scholarly works dedicated to Just War theory, nuclear warfare, and nuclear weaponry as well as the Bible and official Catholic Just War doctrine. The ultimate aim of the research is to examine and present evidence supporting both possibilities—both that nuclear war is justified, and that nuclear war is unjustifiable. This research does not seek to draw a definitive conclusion, but presents a variety of scholarly opinions in an organized manner, thus contributing to an open dialog surrounding nuclear weapons and the important danger of nuclear war. Overall, the work as a whole aims to provide a survey of Just War theory as applied to nuclear warfare. In this sense, it is a resource for those contemplating nuclear weapon policy, nuclear arms control legislation, and modern human rights issues.