There is still much debate about whether torture has been…
“There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Debate over torture’s efficacy hinges on the belief that success could legitimize its use.
In simple terms: Effectiveness is used to justify torture.
Key Takeaway
Question effectiveness before justification.
Themes
ethics
politics
human rights
Mood
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- policy making
- military interrogation
- legal debates
- humanitarian advocacy
Key Concepts
justification
effectiveness
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- Can we ever truly know if torture yields reliable information?
- Is any gain worth the moral cost?
A Different Perspective
Effectiveness is hard to measure and may be overstated.