Just Torture?
MILITARISM, 1 Dec 2014
Shunzo Majima, Journal of Military Ethics – Centre for Digital Philosophy
The purpose of this paper is to develop and analyse a possible theory of “just torture”, by reference to the framework of just war theory, which proposes moral criticism of war, in order that we can critically consider the morality or otherwise of torture, including that undertaken for interrogation purposes.
- Initially, we will explore the legal definitions and regulations of torture.
- Secondly, we will investigate several ethical aspects of torture.
- Thirdly, in order to apply the principles of just war theory to the issue of torture, we examine how these principles work.
- Finally, in order to construct this “just torture” theory and consider whether torture, if any, can be considered to be morally permissible under certain exceptional circumstances, we will propose a tentative framework for just torture, and investigate the set of principles behind the framework
To download and read the paper Go to Original – philpapers.org
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Two points are mentioned here as follows:
First.
The “just torture issue“ may be considered as a part of what might well be called the “issue of the just violation human rights overall”. If a certain set of criteria of this issue (as to the just torture issue, for instance ) is accepted by some authorities, many relevant authorities and even cross-border organizations such as Al Qaeda and ISIS/ISIL might practice torture in accordance with those criteria to justify their act. It is highly likely that the criteria might be abused then. “Guantanamo” will surely be justified then. ISIS/ISIL’s atrocities against civilians will also probably be justified. This tendency could lead eventually to the beginning of the end of (the respect of) human rights.
Second.
This paper is may be in the category of military ethics. That implies that the paper indicates the torture may be considered to be justified for the military purpose. Virtually no authorities in their military action deny the “legitimacy” of their military action/purpose. (Remember the invasion of Iraq by the US/UK in 2003, for example.) That is, the torture in any military action might be legitimized as far as the torture in question is practiced in accordance with a certain set of the criteria. The issue of the just torture may affect the discussion on “jus in bello”.
Thanks dear Satoshi.
The points you made address the reasons I posted this infamy. To try and light the red lights for what they are preparing in the name of scholarly research.
Are we civilized yet? Civilized are the indians in the Amazon. We are SAVAGES!