ABSTRACT
The task of this chapter is to discuss the ontological and epistemological positions of the Critical theory of counterterrorism. Ontology is a concept of utmost importance because it deals with the presuppositions that make it possible to make knowledge claims about terrorism and terrorists to begin with. As such, it is the essential starting point, as it bears directly on the epistemology and methodology of this book. Going to the heart of the methodological debate within CTS, this chapter advances a monist ontological position, and introduces Weber’s ideal-typical constructs to be used for expository and heuristic purposes. This is a unique approach to the study of counterterrorism, and is an important contribution to the literature.
