Augustine and Aquinas on War
Friday, August 29, 2025
LTC Joshua Lehman Ph.D.
Recently, Pope Francis XIV expressed his hope that “hearts may be freed from hatred,” that “we may abandon the logic of division and retaliation” and that “a comprehensive vision inspired by the common good may prevail.” In the spirit of this vision of peace, the Department of Catholic Studies is honored to present Augustine and Aquinas on War.
This special lecture will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, in the University Center Meeting Room (UC Room 206).
About the Lecture:
LTC Joshua Lehman Ph.D., will show that Saints Augustine and Aquinas are important
sources for the just war tradition. He will argue not only that these Doctors of the
Church ground the tradition, but also that recovering their thought opens new paths
for thinking about contemporary justice in war.
About the Speaker:
Joshua Lehman Ph.D., is an assistant professor of philosophy at the United States
Military Academy at West Point. He served as a career U.S. Army Special Forces officer,
leading units in Iraq, Syria and other locations in the Middle East. He completed
his doctorate in philosophy at Boston College, where he wrote on Thomistic Personalism.
He joined USMA’s Department of Law and Philosophy faculty in 2021, where he teaches
ethics, just war theory and philosophy of religion.
About Catholic Studies:
The Catholic Studies Program at Seton Hall University offers an innovative, interdisciplinary
curriculum for students of any creed who are interested in deepening their knowledge
of Catholicism’s rich intellectual tradition and living heritage. Combining the study
of history, philosophy, theology, literature, art, sociology and other disciplines,
Catholic Studies focuses on the Church’s dialogue with culture and encounter with
the world. Students interested in Catholic Studies have the option to pursue a major,
minor, or certificate that complements and enhances the university’s other degree
programs and fields of study. Over 20 years the academic program and its variegated
activities have stayed true to and fulfilled the Catholic mission and vision of the
University. For more information, please contact Ines Murzaku, Ph.D., director of
the Department of Catholic Studies, at [email protected], or Gloria Aroneo at [email protected].
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