Is Torture Ever Morally Acceptable?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

On a battlefield, there is a fundamental rule, both morally and legally, that one cannot harm those who are defenceless. However, torture necessitates the defencelessness of its victim and as such, it

cannot be considered under the same moral and normative guidelines

.

Is torture morally and ethically correct?

For instance, it is generally held that torture is defined in part as the deliberate infliction of extreme suffering and that – by virtue of this defining feature –

torture is morally wrong

. Note that even actions or practices that are inherently morally wrong might be morally justified in extreme circumstances.

Can torture ever be moral?


Torture can be morally justifiable

, and even obligatory, when it is wholly defensive – for example, when torturing a wrongdoer would prevent him from seriously harming innocent people. G.G.: But you do agree that torture can, in extreme cases, be moral.

Is torture ethical?


Torture is morally unjustified

, therefore, because it “dehumanizes people by treating them as pawns to be manipulated through their pain” (xii). … The 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights prohibits torture even “during public emergencies that threaten the life of the nation” (Articles 4 and 7).

Can torture ever be justified?

The Torture Convention

Is torture legal in the US?

2340A) Section 2340A of Title 18, United States Code,

prohibits torture committed by public officials under color of law against persons

within the public official's custody or control. Torture is defined to include acts specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering.

What is morally permissible?

morally permissible:

morally OK; not morally wrong

; not morally impermissible; “OK to do”; … morally impermissible: morally wrong; not permissible; obligatory to not do it; a duty to not do it.

Does the CIA use torture?

Since 1930, the United States had defined sleep deprivation as an illegal form of torture. Many other techniques developed by the CIA constitute inhuman and degrading treatment and torture under the United Nations Convention against Torture and Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

What are the benefits of torture?

A second benefit of torture is

deterrence of potential enemies from hostile action

. Evaluating such benefit is extremely difficult and unreliable; successful deterrence requires that the torture be made public, at least in summary form, which may be illegal or unpopular. Most costs of torture are easy to calculate.

Is torture a good way to get information?

Does Torture Work? Experienced interrogators and intelligence experts say that using torture and abuse in interrogations

is not an effective way to elicit reliably truthful information

. … Neurological science also shows that torture and abuse are ineffective ways to interrogate prisoners.

What countries still use torture?

According to Human Rights Watch (www.hrw.org ), the use of torture was documented in the following countries in 2004 and 2005:

China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Syria, Turkey, Uganda, and Uzbekistan

. See also: 2012 Competing Countries.

Is psychological torture legal?

The Convention against Torture explicitly

prohibits

the infliction of severe physical or mental (or psychological) suffering.

Does torture violate human rights?

Torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment

violate human dignity

and are absolutely prohibited at all times and under all circumstances. Torture is the intentional infliction of severe mental or physical pain or suffering, by or with the approval of state agents.

What is morally wrong?

Morally wrong acts are activities such as

, theft, rape, lying, and breaking promises

. Other descriptions would be that they are morally prohibited, morally impermissible, acts one ought not to do, and acts one has a duty to refrain from doing. Morally right acts are activities that are allowed.

What are the 10 moral values?

  • Respect. Many parents make the mistake of teaching their children only about respect for elders, but that is wrong. …
  • Family. Family is an integral part of kids' lives. …
  • Adjusting and Compromising. …
  • Helping Mentality. …
  • Respecting Religion. …
  • Justice. …
  • Honesty. …
  • Never Hurt Anyone.

What is a word for morally wrong?


unworthy

. adjective. dishonest, or morally wrong.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.