Introductory description

PH379-15 Philsoophy of Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. The definition of terrorism
2. Terrorism and genocide.
3. Terrorism and horrorism.
4. Terrorism and rationality.
5. Terrorism and subjectivity.
6. State terrorism.
7. Terrorism and morality.
8. Terrorism and civil resistance.
9. How do people radicalize.
10. The psychology of terrorism.
11. Terrorism and religion.
12. Fundamentalism.
13. Extremism.
14. Extreme right-wing terrorism.
15. Counterterrorism.
16. Ethical issues in counterterrorism.
17. Torture.
18. Enhanced interrogation.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• At this end of this module students should be able to (i) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts arguments in the philosophy of terrorism and counterterrorism, (ii) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key conceptual, ethical and epistemological issues in the philosophy of terrorism and counterterrorism (iii) demonstrate the capacity to relate questions in the philosophy of terrorism and counterterrorism to broader philosophical questions about the nature of morality, the nature of explanation and the nature of causation.

Indicative reading list

1. Richard English, Terrorism: How to Respond
2. Martha Crenshaw, Explaining Terrorism
3. Igor Primoratz (ed.) Terrorism: the Philosophical Issues.
4. Marc Sageman, Misunderstanding Terrorism
5. Richard English, Does Terrorism Work?
6. Richard Jackson, Terrorism: A Critical Introduction.
7. Quassim Cassam, 'The Epistemology of Terrorism and Radicalisation'
8. Quassim Cassam., 'Can terrorism ever be morally justified?''
9. Richard English, Does Counter-Terrorism work?

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

The ability to understand, analyse and criticise philosophical ideas and arguments. The ability to develop a philosophical understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism and identify and answer ethical, epistemological and metaphysical questions about terrorism.

Transferable skills

The ability to argue, analyse complex ideas, and write clearly. The ability to grasp complex ideas and arguments, identify their strengths and weaknesses and write about them in a structured manner.