Monday, August 28, 2006

Is Terrorism a Purpose-in-Life Pathology?

It's a challenge for most people to find deep purpose and meaning in today's secular, superficial consumer society. Some people turn to traditional religion, and a few find extreme, simplistic solutions to their maladaption and meaninglessness.

Strap a bomb around your waist and join the divine by flicking a switch. Your life, although over, has suddenly become meaningful. This is the ultimate in instant gratification, however perverse.

Telos is the Greek term for purpose, and teleology is the study of purposeful behavior. Is the modern terrorist a teleopath? Someone who is pathologically disturbed in the purpose-in-life department?

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