Torture should be allowed against terror suspects

Current version: 28 Apr 2009 | 06:55 | admin

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Yes, because... Utilitarian argument

 

Although regrettable, the suffering of one person, especially one who is capable of enacting terrifying crimes against other human beings, is worth potentially saving the lives of hundreds, even thousands of law-abiding citizens. As such, the use of torture would be for the ‘greater good’.

 

Someone of any religious persuasion be it christian, muslim or whatever, would agree with this IDEA of the greater good. If given the choice of one person suffering over many then one person is preferable. What religion tells us, however, is that we cannot be the one to inflict that suffering, unless it is on ourselves. Self sacrifice is smiled upon, torturing other people is frowned upon. Utilitarianism fails from a religious perspective when humans try to implement what is, to a believer, divine justice.