- #31
JohnDubYa
- 468
- 1
omin, do you get extra credit in class for using the word "physics" in your posts?
What is the impact of terrorism on society?
- Context: News
- Thread starter Adam
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the concept of terrorism, exploring its definitions, implications, and distinctions from related phenomena such as state brutality and oppression. Participants engage in a conceptual analysis, examining the motivations behind acts labeled as terrorism and the contextual factors that influence these actions.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants provide definitions of terrorism, emphasizing the unlawful use of violence for political or ideological purposes.
- Others argue that the term "unlawful" is problematic, suggesting that legality is often determined by the victor in conflicts.
- A participant critiques the definitions, proposing that the final section should explicitly include "violence" as a means of intimidation or coercion.
- There is a discussion on the distinction between state brutality and terrorism, with some asserting that while both may be morally repulsive, they operate under different power dynamics.
- Some participants suggest that various groups, including governments and criminal organizations, can employ terror tactics, but their motivations and contexts differ significantly.
- A viewpoint is presented that terrorism can be seen as an offensive action influenced by historical context, questioning whether certain acts, like 9/11, can be classified as terrorism.
- One participant argues that broadening the definition of terrorism may render it ineffective or meaningless.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of terrorism, with no consensus reached on the appropriateness of the term "unlawful" or the distinctions between terrorism and state actions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the classification of specific acts as terrorism.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the complexity of defining terrorism, noting that definitions may depend on legal, historical, and contextual factors. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and assumptions that are not universally accepted.