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The Ethics of War: John of Naples and the Use of Muslim Mercenaries by a Christian King

In: Medieval Encounters
Authors:
Ritva Palmén Finnish Academy Research Fellow and University Lecturer, Faculty of Theology, University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1137-0168
and
Mikko Posti Researcher, Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8938-057X
Online Publication Date:
17 Feb 2025
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Abstract

This article analyzes the question by John of Naples (d. ca. 1348) as to whether it is licit for a Christian king to hire Muslim mercenaries to defend his country against Christian aggressors. John’s answer employs legal, theological, and philosophical sources intended to justify the view that it is indeed licit to do so. John’s original account modifies the just war tradition to qualify his ambitions better and adapts elements of the legal principle of necessity, which support his argument. His overall ethical thinking builds on the primacy of the common good, which allows the use of imperfect means, such as hiring Muslim mercenaries, to achieve the good of Christian community in a just war.

Title:
The Ethics of War: John of Naples and the Use of Muslim Mercenaries by a Christian King
Article Type:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1163/15700674-12340206
Language:
English
Pages:
1–25
Keywords:
just war tradition; necessity; Christian-Muslim relations; medieval philosophy; canon law; mercenaries
In:
Medieval Encounters
In:
Volume 31: Issue 1
Received:
28 Apr 2021
Accepted:
17 Mar 2023
Publisher:
Brill
E-ISSN:
1570-0674
Print ISSN:
1380-7854
Subjects:
Medieval History, History, History & Culture, Middle East and Islamic Studies, Byzantine Studies

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