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Secular Just War Theory

Secular Just War Theory is a framework used to evaluate whether going to war is morally justified and how it should be conducted, based on rational and ethical principles rather than religious beliefs. It emphasizes criteria such as having a just cause (e.g., self-defense), proper authority (legitimate decision-makers), right intentions, probability of success, proportionality of force, and last resort. The goal is to ensure that war is conducted ethically, minimizing unnecessary harm, and aligning military actions with moral standards grounded in secular reasoning rather than religious doctrine.