The Reason of Terror pursues the need for philosophical responses attuned to the complexity of terrorism. Driven by the conviction that terrorism is a worthy topic for philosophical reflection, the volume presents careful conceptual analyses ofMoreThe Reason of Terror pursues the need for philosophical responses attuned to the complexity of terrorism.
Driven by the conviction that terrorism is a worthy topic for philosophical reflection, the volume presents careful conceptual analyses of terrorism while demonstrating that the relation between reason and terrorism is deeply rooted in the history of philosophy.
In a series of historical essays that begins with Lucretius reflections on terror, includes Machiavelli and Hegels political analyses and continues through Arendts investigation of terror and ideology, the authors counter a prevalent tendency to think that terrorism is irrational and hence beyond the pale of philosophical reflection. The collection continues by investigating contemporary terrorisms impact upon subjectivity, communication and rhetoric, and the practice of philosophy.
Taken as a whole, the essays demonstrate not only philosophys ability to think terrorism, but also terrorisms impact on philosophy.