ABSTRACT
The philosophical interest of terrorism is due partly to the fact that the term is notoriously difficult to define, and partly to the fact that there is some disagreement about whether and when terrorism so-called can be justified. In short, terrorism came to mean political assassination, and specifically tyrannicide. The British Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1974 states ‘For the purposes of legislation’ terrorism is to be defined as ‘the use of violence for political ends including the use of violence for the purpose of putting the public or any section of the public in fear’. The definition is much too wide since it covers rioting, street violence and the legitimate punishment and deterrence of criminals as well as terrorism. The narrow definition: Terrorism consists of violent actions carried out for political or other social purposes, including some large-scale mercenary purposes, by individuals or groups.
