The Ethics And Ethics Of Torture Essay - 1182 Words

Amidst the many controversial topics circulating around our world today, ethical arguments have emerged about torture that question its mere value in society. One can assume that the use of torture may involve intentionally inflicting psychological or physical pain to a being in exchange for some sort of gratification, information, or action. Although torture has been prominent from ancient to modern days, it has seemed to be noticeably sanctioned by individuals or groups of the government in the name of justice. With that said, the question may arise: should it be permissible or condemned? That very well may be answered by philosophically indulging oneself in the roots of both the Utilitarian and Aristotelian views. Even though both views are aimed towards the achievement of happiness, they seem to collide theoretically on the idea of torture via their textual precedence. If a modern-day philosopher were to hypothetically ask either of the two about the extremity, one could formulat e an objective and theoretical response. With Aristotle’s views embracing the philosophical world first, his Nicomachean Ethics provides a consistent and logical framework that helps address the morality of contemporary issues, such as torture. In Book II of his works, Aristotle claims that the practitioners of virtue are the ones who achieve ultimate happiness and that virtue is either intellectual at birth or a trained habit. Virtues are simply dispositions to act in the correct way inShow MoreRelatedEthics Of Torture And Torture1113 Words   |  5 Pages Ethics of Torture The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines torture as the act of causing severe physical pain as a form of punishment or as a way to force someone to do or say something. But what would one call morally acceptable torture? Is sleep depriving a criminal in order to find out the location of a missing person wrong? Does waterboarding a terrorist to find out information count as a morally correct reason to torture? Recently the C.I.A. released a detailed torture report to the publicRead MoreTorture and Ethics1447 Words   |  6 PagesTour Torture and Ethics Paper CJA 530 January 31st, 2011 Eddie Koen Torture and Ethics Paper Torture is something that is known as wrong internationally. Torture is â€Å"deliberate, systematic or wanton infliction of physical or mental suffering by one or more persons acting on the orders of authority, to force a person to yield information, to confess, or any other reason† (World Medical Association, 1975, pg.1). There is a general consensus that there is a rightRead MoreTorture and Ethics1604 Words   |  7 PagesTorture and Ethics Paper Alfreepha Williams AJS/532 July 21, 2013 Patricia DeAngelis Torture and Ethics There are many views or definition of the word â€Å"torture†, which is often debated by many individuals. According to â€Å"International Rehabilitation Council For Torture Victims† (2005-2012), â€Å"torture is an act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining information or a confession, punishing him for anRead MoreEssay about The Ethics of Torture1633 Words   |  7 Pages In the United States legal system, torture is currently defined as â€Å"an act committed by a person acting under the color of law specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanctions) upon another person within his custody or physical control.† as defined by Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives (US Code, 1) Though this is a seemingly black and white definition, the condition al â€Å"†¦otherRead MoreThe Ethics of Torture Essay examples1206 Words   |  5 PagesThe institution of torture has been in existence for quite sometime; however, it was not always seen as an ethical question. In antiquity, the Romans employed something known as â€Å"the cat-of-nine-tails,† which was a flogging instrument with nine sharp ends. However, the use of torture was not confined to the West, the Chinese utilized â€Å"bamboo sticks to beat people.† During antiquity, torture was used as a punishment, but during the Spanish Inquisition, this notion of torture evolved to a meansRead MoreEthics Of Torture : Who Are We Really Hurting?990 Words   |  4 PagesTorture is a heinous crime to anyone who is put under the duress of those who either get enjoyment or use it as a device for information gathering. In recent years it has been more in use as a focal point with the recent killings of aid and social workers in the Middle East and travelers that ente r North Korea to state a message or obtain information. If the rules of the Geneva Convention do not apply, then what rules do apply? Ethics of torture: who are we really hurting? ConflictRead MoreIs Torture Morally Wrong?1265 Words   |  6 Pagesbelief that torture is morally wrong. Popular culture, religious point of views, and every other form of culture for many decades has taught that it is a wrongdoing. But is torture really a wrong act to do? To examine the act of torture as either a means or an end we must inquire about whether torture is a means towards justice and therefore morally permissible to practice torture on certain occasions. â€Å"Three issues dominate the debates over the morality of torture: (1) Does torture work? (2) IsRead MoreEssay on Code of Ethics and Security Case Study1600 Words   |  7 PagesCode of Ethics and Security Case Study December 20, 2010 Abstract As we examine the case of â€Å"Cop Gets 15 Years in Torture Case†, we evaluate from four different perspectives the different ethical theories; ethical relativism, ethical egoism, deontological ethics and ontological ethics to determine how the different perspectives support or condemn the conduct in this  case study. The case involves the brutal sodomizing of a black male Haitian immigrant, Abner Louima by two white New York policeRead MoreEthics And Morality : A Noble Cause Corruption1196 Words   |  5 PagesEthics and morality are broad topics of everyday life. Instinctively, we as humans know the difference between right and wrong but in some cases, our ethics will narrow. Actions and decisions become selfish and for the sole purpose of personal gain. In some cases, unethical ways may even be illegal. Noble cause corruption is a prime example of when a person will utilize unethical means for a result to benefit the greater good. Noble cause corruption differs with tr aditional corruption. TraditionalRead MoreThe Extreme Forms Of Human Violence1515 Words   |  7 Pages As one of the most extreme forms of human violence, torture has many long-term detrimental physical and mental health consequences. For those who have endured torture, a potential negative outcome of their experience can include the psychologists’ undermined role and legitimacy as a mental health professional (Olson Soldz, 2007). Following periods of torture-based interrogations, survivors inexorably harbor distrust for psychologists. In the future, this could prevent them from seeking treatment