國立臺灣大學政治科學論叢

Abstract / Chinese PDF Download

This research aims to construct a theory of just war from the writings of Xunzi. The key findings are discussed. First, Xunzi did not apply the concepts of justifiable defense or justice of war to countries that were considered weak when it comes to righteousness. A country cannot initiate a war against a tyrannical state unless it is powerful and its citizens voluntarily comply to political authority. In addition, the principles of differentiation and proportionality are found in Xunzi, both of which are notions about justice in war. Finally, the restoration of political order and stability, which is an issue of justice after war, also appears in Xunzi. In my view, the doctrine of politics is the key component that links all of the aforementioned concepts (justice of war, justice in war, and justice after war) together. In other words, a war without political direction is blind, and politics without moral regulation is brutal.