Under which of the following ethical systems is killing of innocent civilians justifiable?

Question

A. Ethics of care
B.Ethical formalism
C.Utilitarianism
D.Religion

Answer 1

Religious laws and rules vary -- some allow killing of "innocent" people, some do not.

Utilitarianism definitely does -- if its for the greater good, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

Ethics of care definitely does not -- the basic principle is that the innocent must be protected.

Formalism -- I'm not sure. My understanding is that as long as the standards and procedures are set forth, anything is allowable as long as it conforms to those procedures. But I may be confusing the term with something else.

Answer 2

Depending upon the exact traits that define your use of the word: "justifiable", there are instances when the killing of innocent civilians (using a broad definition for both of the words "innocent" and "civilians") can be "justified", within the ethical boundaries of each of the philosophical worlds indentified by your question.