The tyrannicide is an issue that occupied the attention of many philosophers, but which has recently ceased to be central to moral and political theory. Proof of this is the lack of scientific production on the subject in recent years. However, recently published a book on the subject (Centenera Sanchez-Seco, Fernando, El tyrannicide in the writings of Juan de Mariana, Madrid, Dykinson, 2009), despite being focused on a very timely, contains general considerations that are relevant to discustir in class.
In general terms we can understand tyrannicide as the act of killing a tyrant. A tyrant is one ruler who exercises power without legitimacy and despotic way. Tyrannicide usually understood as an act most extreme of active resistance to oppression. In this way could be justified under the moral right of resistance against an unjust government.
The
morally justifiable tyrannicide
According Jaszi, that is deemed justifiable tyrannicide must give the following characteristics:
"1. The existence of a man or group of men, whose tyrannical crush all personal freedoms and prevent the disappearance of intolerable evils of either a constitutional form or by revolution.
"2. The presence of an individual or group of individuals, to solve or resolve the annihilation of the central body tyranny under their responsibility. In its action must be present the findings in the following points:
"2.1. Reason enough to induce to believe that the act will serve to release the constructive forces of the community, and the restoration of free institutions.
"2.2. Altruistic motives. The action takes place in the interest of the entire community. Personal ambitions for power, the personal rancor or revenge, do not play a dominant role in the determination. The conviction of a martyr is present in the act, although it is true that the executor or executors are not the instrument of a religious or political group.
"2.3. The voice of conscience as the main guide, but not be interpreted as separate or opposed to the real voice of the community." (Sánchez-Seco Centenera 2009:161).
tyrannicide and terrorism
One of the issues to be addressed in this issue, is how to differentiate, and if possible make-terrorism tyrannicide. The book's author believes that the above definition the distinction is almost obvious. However, it may be interesting to analyze the following definitions given in the text:
"According to Torres Caro, is meant by terrorism ... the appeal of those who learned to hate and are therefore prisoners of that hatred. The right of resistance can not be compared to any extent with this action itself is its antithesis, since terrorism is not seeking the release or protection of human dignity, but the destruction of the enemy class, interest, circumstance , trying with a series of actions to cause terror, panic, the destabilization of a particular city, religion or country, sometimes foolish purposes and other equally or more unjust than those caused by the alleged enemy ...
"According Piga Rivero, sectarian terrorism, political or criminal gangs, in addition to the direct effects of their attacks, intended to produce their victims with intense fear and anxiety, and justified by the seriousness of the threats, imprecise attacks and damages, and the circumstances of time, place or population, number of victims and severity of impacts and resulting problems. "(Sánchez-Seco Centenera 2009: 162-163).
working instructions
[Maximum 4000 characters]
1. Are they justifiable tyrannicide two acts that occur in parallel in Inglourious Basterds ?
2. "Shoshanna and the bastards are terrorists?" You are justified in their actions?
3. Think of an argument to oppose tyrannicide.
4. Think an argument which could justify terrorism, and submit it to criticism.
