Ethics and Terrorism Focus of Panel Discussion
One panelist, religion professor Ebrahim Moosa, stressed the importance of examining the historical and cultural contexts that frame the understanding of terrorism

By James Todd

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2004 -- A panel of Duke professors on Monday explored the moral issues that surround terrorism – who gets to define it, how to understand it and how best to respond to it.

The “Ethics and Terrorism” discussion, sponsored by the Kenan Institute of Ethics, grew out of the work of Duke faculty members who are compiling a book prompted by reactions to the Sept. 11 attacks, “Speak No Evil: Moral Judgment in the Modern Age.”  Kenan Institute director Elizabeth Kiss began the discussion by presenting a paper on terrorism drawn from her work on the moral judgment project. Two of the four panelists are also part of the project: its director, professor Ruth Grant, as well as professor David Wong.

The program at the Mary Lou Williams Center on Duke’s West Campus, attended by about 50 people, also provided a forum to address some of the issues raised by the controversial Palestine Solidarity Movement (PSM) conference, held at Duke in October.

Watch excerpts from the panelists’ remarks and reactions from students:

	Elizabeth Kiss, director of the Kenan Institute for Ethics and associate professor of the practice of political science and philosophy [Watch the video]
	Ruth Grant, professor of political science and philosophy [Watch the video]
	David Wong, chair of the philosophy department [Watch the video]
	Craig Kocher, interim dean of the Duke Chapel [Watch the video]
	Ebrahim Moosa, associate research professor of religion and co-director of the Center for Study of Muslim Networks [Watch the video]
	Students react to the program and comment on campus discussions following the PSM conference. [Watch the video]