Philosophical and Moral Justification of Humanitarian Intervention

Abstract

This paper examines the question of humanitarian intervention and its justification from a philosophical and moral standpoint. The concept of humanitarian intervention is highly disputed and seemingly contrary to some well established institutes and concepts. The main focus in this paper are questions such as – does the sovereignty of a state offers absolute protection that extends even in cases of mass violations of human rights? Should we care about the suffering of others? Why? What should we do in such cases? Can the use of force be considered as a legitimate solution to a problem? If yes, under what conditions? The paper tries to deconstruct and offer answers to these dilemmas. It builds upon some well-established concepts and doctrines - sovereignty as responsibility, common morality, Just war theory, doctrine of double effect, etc. - and concludes that under certain circumstances, it is morally justified for a humanitarian intervention to be undertaken.