Civil war Quote by Victor Hugo
“War can only be qualified by its object, and there is neither foreign war nor civil war, there is only just or unjust war.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: War and Peace, 1843
War should be judged by its purpose; there is no inherent distinction between foreign and civil wars, only whether they are just.
In simple terms: War is judged by justice, not type.
Key Takeaway
Assess war’s moral basis.
Themes
justice
war
philosophy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
debate
When to use this quote
- military intervention
- civil conflict
- humanitarian aid
Key Concepts
Ethics
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a war just?
- Can any war be truly just?
A Different Perspective
Justice can be interpreted differently.
