The use of torture to gain information on terrorism is a controversial subject. While some people argue that it is a necessity especially when the perpetrators of such evil acts refuse to talk, its justification is still debatable. It becomes an issue when we have to decide whether security forces should use torture to make a suspected terrorist talk about an upcoming devastating attack in the near future. To understand, justify, or deny this argument, there are a few theories that try to explain it.
According to the utilitarian, an act can be justified if it is used for the greater good for the greatest number. This is an argument that asserts that torture could be justified and allowed if it is the only way to get information from an evil doer especially if it is going to save another or others. According to this theory, the important thing is to protect the wellbeing of the majority. However, it is important to legalize the amount and type of pain that can be inflicted on a person during the torture process.
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On the other hand, Kantian duty-based ethics would not permit any forms of torture regardless of how credible or justified the reasons for proposing it are. The argument according to this theory is that it is impossible to universalize the use of torture for some individuals and leave others out. The argument is that if torture were a universally acceptable means of getting information from people, this would open up doors for everyone getting tortured. This theory basis its establishment on whether or not someone is fulfilling his duties from a higher authority regardless of the feelings of others.
A different theory concerning torture is based on value ethics. This is a little bit controversial because those who fully or partially support this theory are not in full agreement. Some believe that this is not the way to go while others believe it is the moral thing to do when the good of most people is at stake. This has a lot of similarity with the Kantian theory although it focuses more on the feelings and motives. Torture would be justified in this case if the reasons were good.
According to the Christian principle based ethics theory though, torture is situational. The Bible, which is the book used by Christians talks about killing in self-defense and sometimes torture is prescribed without even knowing it. I choose to go with the utilitarian theory because the greater good of most people can justify the torture of one as long as it yields results and the prisoner is not killed.
