To Torture or Not to Torture
Different theories of ethics hold different positions regarding whether or not to torture suspected terrorists in order to get information that could lead to saving lives over anticipated attacks. While some support torture, other theories do not. The different arguments for or against torture can be obtained from utilitarianism, Kantian duty-based ethics, virtue ethics, and Christian-principle based ethics. Following is a brief review of the arguments of each theory of ethics.
According to Utilitarianism, the only question that matters is whether the end justifies the means, which means that if torturing a terrorist suspect would help save many lives, then so be it. In short, utilitarianism supports the use of torture on a terror suspect to achieve the greater good for many people. However, Kantian duty-based ethics would not support torture on a terror suspect for the reason that such action cannot be universalized. In other words, Kantian duty-based ethics provides that there should not self-contradiction for any action as will be in the case of torture, arguing that if torture could lead to saving lives, then everyone could be potentially tortured to achieve that goal. That maxim would itself be self-contradictory. On the other, virtue ethics would be the hardest theory of ethics upon which to make a decision on whether to torture a terror suspect or not to. This is because the question is of a complex nature to a virtue ethicist and depends on circumstances and motivations for torturing. The virtue ethicist who ascribes to Plato's cardinal ethics would be bothered by the question of ethics of justice while other who follows on the ideas of Aquinas would be bothered by the violation of love. In either case, the virtue ethicist will have to make a decision from two contradicting positions. Finally, Christian-principle based ethics would not support torture. While Christian principles support going to war, they do so long as the war is fought honorably. Torturing a terror support based on Christian principles would be a violation of the basic dignity of the person as the creature of God.
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In summary, almost every ethical system abovementioned seems to be against the torture of a terror suspect. The most appropriate ethical system would be the Christian-principle based ethics, which not only allows for accountability to a higher source who is God but also promotes the basic respect for human being as God's creation (Genesis 1-2). The Christian-principle based ethics would allow for forceful coercion as an alternative to torture as long as the former is conducted honorably and with dignity.
References
Holmes, A. F. (2007). Ethics: Approaching Moral Decisions. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press
