In Michael Levin's The Case for Torture he asks the question, is it right to torture someone to gain information that would save lives? Levin is pro torture, he feels that the means justify the end. Torturing one person to save the lives of thousands seems like a no brainer. However, what about our civil rights? What about due process? When is it acceptable to throw these rights out the window and torture someone? Should there be a set number of victims before we allow torture? In Levin's writings he makes several valid points. He points out that if a newborn was taken, all of the mothers would want that person tortured to find their child. This would throw that number theory out the window. It is also known throughout history that assassinations and pre-emptive strikes have saved millions of lives. Another valid argument is the death penalty. It may not bring back a victim, but the criminal will not be killing anyone else either. The terrorist seem to have no regard for human life, their victims are innocent, unknowing everyday people.
While torture may be morally wrong to most, the logic behind using it makes sense. If we can torture one person to save the lives of thousands isn't that worth it? The Western culture is different from the Eastern cultures, perhaps they don't even know about due process and civil rights. Either way, they are coming to our country and killing our people. For me, once they decide to step on American soil, plant a bomb, run a car into a building or whatever; their rights end.
The opposing views would like you to believe that torture will only gain misguided information that is usually not reliable. Which does pose a good question. The other argument is why do they care, they are giving their lives to do this, so what have they got to loose? They also contend that by trying to kill a target ( a leader ex: Bin Laden) they will kill or hurt many innocent people, and not even get who they are targeting.
http://www.debate.org/debates/Torture-is-sometimes-morally-permissible./5/
Although there are arguments for both sides, to me the rights of one person who is causing harm to innocent people is not as important as saving a life or lives. As a terrorist they chose to lead this life. Who are we to enable them and make it easier for them?
I agree with your Mickie, if the person is causing harm to other people, we should be able to torture them to find out where the bomb is. Although some of those crazy people out there do not care about their own lives let alone someone else's. Great Job!
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