Recent events in Southport have focused public attention on the definition of terrorism. Some critics see the Southport murders as false negatives for the official definition of terrorism in the UK. The definition also generates potential false positives: acts that it mistakenly classifies as terrorism. However, before amending the definition, account needs to be taken of insights from the philosophy of definition. Proposals for amending the definition of terrorism need to be assessed in terms of their practical consequences and resource implications.

This event was brought to you in partnership with the British Philosophical Association, and marked the start of British Philosophy Fortnight. You can find out more at the the BPA Webpage: https://www.bpa.ac.uk. You can also join the conversation by using the tags #PhiloFortnight2025 and #PhilosophyMatters.


First published: 17 March 2025