The Morality of Terrorism

Paper Summary:

The paper argues that military bombing and the planting of terrorist bombs that injure, kill and terrorize people are, in essence, one and the same thing. The paper explains how terrorism, by its very definition, is morally unacceptable. The paper therefore contends that military actions that intentionally target innocent people are no less morally reprehensible than the action of a suicide bomber in a crowded marketplace.

Outline:
Introduction
The Central Issue of Terrorism
Moral Aspects
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The central question of this paper raises some complex moral as well as practical and legal issues. On the one hand there is certain, if somewhat spurious, validity to the argument that justifies civilian deaths in a military action as a result of "collateral damage". The bombing of civilians in an anti-terrorist action is commonly seen in a different and more positive moral and ethical light to the actions of the terrorist or terrorist group who purposely set out to harm or terrorize innocent people by detonating a bomb in a crowded public thoroughfare. However, this raises the question of whether there is any real moral difference between these actions."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bergesen A. J. and Lizardo O. 2004, Terrorism and the World-System, Sociological Theory, Vol. 22, No. 1, Theories of Terrorism: A Symposium.
• Bonanete L. 1979, Some Unanticipated Consequences of Terrorism, Journal of Peace Research, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 197-211
• Burnham J. 1974, Antiterror Problems, National Review, vol 26.
• Chomsky new War on Terror, viewed August 9, 2008, <http://www.counterpunch.org/chomskyterror.html>
• Cohn M. 2002, Understanding, Responding to and Preventing Terrorism, Arab Studies Quarterly.

More papers on The Morality of Terrorism:

• Argumentative Essay # 121381 : "Justification of Terrorism"
• Analytical Essay # 35393 : "The IRA and Terrorism"
• Narrative Essay # 93149 : "The Battle of Algiers"

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