Rule utilitarianism, relevance of intention and moral permissibility of terrorism Cover Image

Utylitaryzm reguł, znaczenie intencji i ocena terroryzmu
Rule utilitarianism, relevance of intention and moral permissibility of terrorism

Author(s): Wacław Janikowski
Subject(s): Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego
Keywords: ethics; intention; Jeff McMahan; Principle of Double Effect; terrorism; utilitarianism

Summary/Abstract: Rule utilitarianism, relevance of intention and moral permissibility of terrorism In this paper I consider the puzzling question of moral responsibility of some quite specific terrorist acts. One distinguishable, but highly controversial, example of such a case may be the allied terror-bombing of German cities by English and American forces during the end of World War II, with so many civilian victims. I propose strict definition of terrorism, and after that, go on with the question: Is it really so obvious and certain that all acts of terrorism are impermissible on moral grounds? Then I investigate the relevance of intention for moral evaluation of any case of terrorism. In these matters I get involved in dispute with Jeff McMahan’s thesis that all acts of terrorism are inherently morally wrong and impermissible, and criticize his employment of the Principle of Double Effect.

  • Issue Year: 2018
  • Issue No: 44
  • Page Range: 5-23
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Polish