Right. Everyone is a terrorist. That's why good definitions are actually useful.
Use of violence is NOT what terrorism is about. If it were, then everyone would indeed be a terrorist.
Do you create definitions based empirically, looking at "terrorists" and then determining what differentiates them? Or do you create a definition that is useful and then apply it to all who fit?
"terrorist" distinctions: 1. State sponsorship. Part of a larger group. This weeds out all the psychopaths who use violence or intimidation. 2. Exercises violence and intimidation as deliberate tactics that further the ends of the group. Weeds out the members of groups who are acting outside their authority. 3. Intentionally targets innocents, undefended, not militarily significant targets. Weeds out police and military who intentionally act against criminals or enemy combatants.
The definitions are important because a proper definition is actually useful. It is wasteful to use military force to track and guard against psychopaths. It is futile to send psychiatrists and the local sheriff to fight a real terrorist group.
"The definitions are important because a proper definition is actually useful. It is wasteful to use military force to track and guard against psychopaths. It is futile to send psychiatrists and the local sheriff to fight a real terrorist group."
Oh boy...kinda stark when put like that huh?
ReplyDeleteNo candy coating that..
Yeah, kinda...
ReplyDeleteThey depend upon you obeying of your own free will, because you want to. Because the laws are right and just. Or something.
They only use violent coercion when they need to.
;)
Right. Everyone is a terrorist. That's why good definitions are actually useful.
ReplyDeleteUse of violence is NOT what terrorism is about. If it were, then everyone would indeed be a terrorist.
Do you create definitions based empirically, looking at "terrorists" and then determining what differentiates them? Or do you create a definition that is useful and then apply it to all who fit?
"terrorist" distinctions:
1. State sponsorship. Part of a larger group. This weeds out all the psychopaths who use violence or intimidation.
2. Exercises violence and intimidation as deliberate tactics that further the ends of the group. Weeds out the members of groups who are acting outside their authority.
3. Intentionally targets innocents, undefended, not militarily significant targets. Weeds out police and military who intentionally act against criminals or enemy combatants.
The definitions are important because a proper definition is actually useful. It is wasteful to use military force to track and guard against psychopaths. It is futile to send psychiatrists and the local sheriff to fight a real terrorist group.
--Genericviews
ReplyDelete"The definitions are important because a proper definition is actually useful. It is wasteful to use military force to track and guard against psychopaths. It is futile to send psychiatrists and the local sheriff to fight a real terrorist group."
~~Agreed