Citation

Gibbs BJ. Behav. Brain Sci. 2014; 37(4): 368-369.

Affiliation

Behavioural Science Insights,25 Waratah Avenue,Belgrave,VIC 3160,Australia;Melbourne Business School,University of Melbourne,Carlton,VIC 3053, Australia.briangibbs@behaviouralscienceinsights.comwww.behaviouralscienceinsights.combgibbs@gsb.uchicago.eduwww.mbs.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/S0140525X13003567

PMID

25162846

Abstract

Lankford's essential empirical argument, which is based on evidence such as psychological autopsies, is that suicide attacks are caused by suicidality. By operationalizing this causal claim in a hypothetical experiment, I show the claim to be provable, and I contend that its truth is supported by Lankford's data. However, I question his ensuing arguments about beauty and goodness, and thereby the practical value of his work in counterterrorist propaganda.

Language: en