POLI 275 - Terrorism and Political Philosophy

1 unit(s)

An exploration of how the resources of political philosophy can be used to analyze and evaluate terrorism. How can terrorism be defined - what are the major definitions, what are the major definitional issues, and what counts as a terrorist act? Are there tendencies in Western political thought and practice that produce a climate conducive to the discourse of terror? What are the arguments of those who advocate or justify terror and those who denounce or criticize it? How can we interpret and evaluate the use of terror by states and by non-state groups? Readings range from the seventeenth century to the present and include Hobbes, Robespierre, Arendt, Fanon, and Qutb. Mr. Stillman.

Prerequisite(s): Freshmen may take a 200-level course only with the permission of the instructor, which usually requires satisfactory completion of an introductory course. For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, an introductory course is recommended but not required.

Not offered in 2013/14.