The Principle of Symmetry
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Political Science
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Michael Lipscomb
Abstract
With the advent of new technologies such as remote weaponry, there is an increased asymmetry between nations that have advanced weapons capabilities and those that do not. This has led to an increase in asymmetrical challenges, which current Just War Theory has yet to address. The asymmetry caused by new technologies, particularly remote weaponry, has given need to a new principle, the principle of symmetry, to balance these new challenges. The principle seeks to ensure that nations which are under attack have justifiable means for defense, and requires that nations attack to ensure this through the utilization of weapons, which will lead to just defense. This principle builds upon other principles, seeking to act as a supplement to missing literature for Just War Theory. Once established, this theory then grounds the principle of symmetry in Christian thought, to further develop Christian Just War Thought. The principle of symmetry is grounded in natural law and characteristics of God. This creates a framework for future technologies that create an imbalance in warfare to be addressed through current Just War Theory.
Honors Thesis Committee
Michael Lipscomb, Ph.D.; Stephen Smith, Ph.D.; David Meeler, Ph.D.
Course Assignment
Senior Capstone in Political Science; PLSC 490H; Michael Lipscomb and Stephen Smith
Previously Presented/Performed?
Southern Regional Honors Council Conference, Orlando, Florida, March 2016
Start Date
22-4-2016 12:40 PM
End Date
22-4-2016 12:55 PM
The Principle of Symmetry
West Center,Room 219
With the advent of new technologies such as remote weaponry, there is an increased asymmetry between nations that have advanced weapons capabilities and those that do not. This has led to an increase in asymmetrical challenges, which current Just War Theory has yet to address. The asymmetry caused by new technologies, particularly remote weaponry, has given need to a new principle, the principle of symmetry, to balance these new challenges. The principle seeks to ensure that nations which are under attack have justifiable means for defense, and requires that nations attack to ensure this through the utilization of weapons, which will lead to just defense. This principle builds upon other principles, seeking to act as a supplement to missing literature for Just War Theory. Once established, this theory then grounds the principle of symmetry in Christian thought, to further develop Christian Just War Thought. The principle of symmetry is grounded in natural law and characteristics of God. This creates a framework for future technologies that create an imbalance in warfare to be addressed through current Just War Theory.
