Violence, Terrorism, and Justice

Raymond Gillespie Frey (Edited by), Christopher W. Morris (Edited by)

9780521409506, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 30 August 1991

332 pages
22.9 x 15.3 x 2.8 cm, 0.503 kg

"This book merits careful reading by anyone concerned with determining the moral foundations for the use of force. Not only will the reader be provoked to weigh a number of issues about state terrorism otherwise preempted by 'group think' pressures, but reconsideration of popular beliefs about appropriate responses to insurgent violence will also be found in order." Robert S. Ashmore, ASQ

In this volume a group of distinguished moral and social thinkers address the urgent problem of terrorism. The essays define terrorism, discuss whether the assessment of terrorist violence should be based on its consequences (beneficial or otherwise), and explore what means may be used to combat those who use violence without justification. Among other questions raised by the volume are: what does it mean for a people to be innocent of the acts of their government? Might there not be some justification in terrorists targeting certain victims but not others? Might terrorist acts be attributed to groups or to states?

Preface
1. Violence, terrorism and justice R. G. Frey and Christopher W. Morris
2. What purposes can 'international terrorism' serve? Thomas C. Schelling
3. Violent demonstrations Annette C. Baier
4. Terrorism, rights, and political goals Virginia Held
5. The political significance of terrorism Loren E. Lomasky
6. Terrorism and morality Jan Narveson
7. Which are the offers you can't refuse? Onora O'Neill
8. Making exceptions without abandoning the principle: or how a Kantian might think about terrorism Thomas E. Hill, Jr.
9. State and private
Red and White Alan Ryan
10. State terrorism Jonathan Glover
11. Nuclear hostages Gregory S. Kavka
12. Rape as a terrorist institution Claudia Card.

Subject Areas: Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]