Is Torture Ever Permissible?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The answer in international law is categorical : no. As laid down in treaties such as the Geneva Conventions, the UN Convention against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the ban on torture or any cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment is absolute, even in times of war.

Is torture morally and ethically correct?

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 illegal in the world?

Torture, the infliction of severe physical or psychological pain upon an individual to extract information or a confession, or as an illicit extrajudicial punishment, is prohibited by international law and is illegal in most countries .

What legally counts as torture?

The United States understands that, in order to constitute torture, an act must be specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering and that mental pain or suffering refers to pro- longed mental harm caused by or resulting from (1) the intentional infliction or threatened infliction of ...

Can the use of torture ever be justified?

ABSTRACT. Torture requires careful definition, because of the degree to which its definition often entails its moral condemnation. ... As such, any form of interrogative torture necessary to procuring relevant information from persons involved in a lethal attack upon innocent persons is ethically justified .

Is torture unethical?

The UN Convention Against Torture and U.S. law, ban torture explicitly and without exception. Torture is immoral . Torture consists of acts that are intrinsically wrong due to their cruelty and abusiveness.

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 is morally permissible mean?

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.

Is terrorism morally permissible?

1. Just cause . For terrorism to be morally permissible, a necessary though cer- tainly not sufficient condition is that it must be intended to secure people’s most basic rights.

Is it moral to take care of oneself alone without helping others?

Case Study (3): Is it moral to take care of oneself alone without helping others? ... By this principle, we mean “I do not help others, nor do I expect others to help me.” Kant would say: “we cannot say ‘I do not help others, nor do I expect others to help me’ is absolutely moral or immoral .

What countries still allow torture?

  • Ethiopia. For years, there has been authoritarian rule in Ethiopia where torture has been a staple of the government. ...
  • Iraq. The use of torture has been extensive since the US invasion and subsequent occupation in 2003. ...
  • Turkey.

Who is the most tortured person in history?

Junko Furuta Body discovered 29 March 1989 Kōtō City, Tokyo, Japan Occupation High school student Known for Murder and torture victim

How can you tell if someone is mentally torturing you?

  • Physical attacks on you.
  • Continuous rage, anger, screaming or yelling at you.
  • Constant belittling or criticising your abilities, employment or looks.
  • Publicly flaunting an affair or adulterous relationship.
  • Falsely accusing you of committing adultery.

Can Article 3 be breached?

Examples of where there could be a breach of article 3 include: serious physical or mental abuse . inhuman detention conditions – for example, in police cells, mental health hospitals or in prison. ... serious neglect in a care home or hospital.

Is it illegal to torment?

Every act of torture within the meaning of the [Convention against Torture] is illegal under existing federal and state law , and any individual who commits such an act is subject to penal sanctions as specified in criminal statutes.” ... In the United States, most criminal laws are state rather than federal.

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.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.