Terrorism For Humanity

Ted Honderich is one of the world's foremost philosophers of the Left. This is a revised edition of his classic text, Violence for Equality: Inquiries in Political Philosophy. It became a benchmark in political philosophy twenty years ago and came out in three editions. Now revised and updated, Terrorism for Humanity raises fundamental questions about the morality of terrorism or political violence -- questions that are cruelly inescapable in the light of recent events and the 'war on terror'. What is to be said for and against the terrorism that is directed to the goal of the Principle of Humanity -- the rescuing of people from lives of wretchedness? When is such terrorism right, if ever, and when is it wrong? Why is it wrong? In six lucid essays, Honderich challenges the presuppositions, prejudices and inconsistencies of liberal-democratic thinking. He takes hold of subjects with strong implications for liberation-terrorism, including Palestinian terrorism. He refuses to accept that the questions that arise are easily answered. Exploring the moral issues that lie at the heart of his subject, he reminds us that political philosophy should be an attempt to inquire with an open mind -- and that to open one's mind is not necessarily to lose one's convictions. This remarkable book will interest and challenge all teachers and students of philosophy and politics. It will capture anyone who wants actually to think about the morality of terrorism. Book jacket.