Synopses & Reviews
This is the first comprehensive discussion of all the main philosophical issues raised by terrorism against the background of its past and recent developments. Prominent philosophers discuss definitions of terrorism, approaches to its moral evaluation, and the contentious subject of state terrorism. Also included are four case studies, showing how the concepts and arguments philosophers deploy in discussing violence, war and terrorism apply to particular instances of both insurgent and state terrorism, ranging from World War II to September 11, 2001.
About the Author
Igor Primoratz is Professor of Philosophy at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and Principal Research Fellow, at the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, University of Melbourne.
Table of Contents
Introduction * Acknowledgements * PART I: DEFINITIONS * Defining Terrorism--C.A.J.Coady * What is Terrorism?--I.Primoratz * PART II: JUSTIFICATIONS * A Defense of the 'Red Terror'--L.Trotsky * The Burdens of Terrorism--N.Fotion * Political Terrorism as a Weapon of the Politically Powerless--R.Young * Terrorism, Rights and Political Goals--V.Held * Terrorism, Morality and Supreme Emergency--C.A.J.Coady * How Can Terrorism Be Justified?--U.Steinhoff * PART III: STATE TERRORISM * State Terrorism and Counterterrorism--I.Primoratz * The Evolution of the Modern Terrorist State--D.Lackey * PART IV: CASE STUDIES * Terror Bombing of German Cities in World War II--S.A.Garrett * Terrorism in Northern Ireland--P.Simpson * Terrorism in the Israeli-Arab Conflict--T.Kapitan * The Catastrophe of September 11 and its Aftermath--B.M.Leiser * Bibliography * Index