Torture

• Torture


  Torture is the infliction of physical or psychological pain on a person, usually with the aim of extracting information. Torture may also be used to punish a person. Torture has been illegal in the UK for several centuries, and is banned under the European Convention on Human Rights.
• Most non-religious people are against torture because:

  • It is inhumane and contravenes people’s human rights.

  • The information extracted under torture is often unreliable; people will say anything to make the pain

  stop.

  • Evidence extracted through torture cannot be used in a court of law.

  • It damages the reputation of a government and is contrary to democratic principles.
• Some people may feel that torture is acceptable if:


  • It is to extract information which will save innocent lives.

  • All other approaches have been tried, to no avail.
• What does a situation ethicist aim to do in each situation?

  Do the most loving thing
• How might a situation ethicist justify torture?

  If it saves the lives of many more people
• In what scenario might a situation ethicist accept torture?

  To extract information from a terrorist about a time bomb
• What is the main goal of utilitarianism?

  To bring about the greatest good for the greatest number
• How do utilitarians view the concept of pleasure and pain?

  They aim to maximize pleasure and minimize pain
• Why would a utilitarian agree with torture in the ticking time bomb scenario?

  Because the pain of one terrorist is outweighed by the suffering of many
• What are the key ethical theories discussed regarding torture?

  • Situation ethics: Focus on doing the most loving thing
  • Utilitarianism: Aim for the greatest good for the greatest number