Analiza i Egzystencja
Utylitaryzm reguł, znaczenie intencji i ocena terroryzmu (Rule utilitarianism, relevance of intention and moral permissibility of terrorism)
(Rule Utilitarianism, Relevance of Intention, and Moral Permissibility of Terrorism)
DOI: 10.18276/aie.2018.44-01
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| ISSN: | 1734-9923 |
| eISSN: | 2300-7621 |
| Authors: |
Wacław
Janikowski
Zakład Etyki, Instytut Filozofii, Uniwersytet Szczeciński, ul. Krakowska 71, 71-017 Szczecin |
| Keywords: | ethics intention Jeff McMahan Principle of Double Effect terrorism utilitarianism |
| Issue / book publication date: | 2018 |
| Page range: | 19 (5-23) |
| OAI-PMH: | Metadata |
 
 
 
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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.
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