There is a subtle fallacy embedded in the traditional ‘ticking bomb’ argument for torture to save lives.” Some of the U.S. leaders use the classic torture-one-to-save-many scenario to argue that torture is justifiable and sounds plausible. Some people would agree that using torture in the “ticking time bomb” scenario is justifiable, but it is hypothetical and unrealistic and bears no relation to the circumstances. The argument is fallacious and irrelevant because these situations rarely
“The Detention Scandal” is an editorial taken from the America magazine. In this article, the authors show how national security is used as an excuse to keep the prisoners on the Guantanamo Bay. The authors try to prove how the fear of terrorism has blinded the U.S. government that it has made them deny the basic human rights. Everyone sees the wrong doings in Guantanamo Bay and knows it needs to be shut down but the fear of government to lose their “suspected” enemy combatants make it impossible. The authors use the different components of persuasion throughout the article.
Susan Muller English 201 27Sept. 2013 Summary of Krauthammer’s Essay “The Truth about Torture” In the essay “The Truth about Torture” by Charles Krauthammer, he argues that the torture of suspected terrorist is permissible under certain circumstances and proposes limited legalization. This position is in opposition to the McCain amendment and other believers of the ‘no torture ever’ policy. Krauthammer believes that in situations where torture tactics may be helpful in obtaining pertinent lifesaving information that it should then be a legal option, as opposed to an executive decision to break the law as an extreme exception. With it being a legal option, the principle has then been established and that the “real argument should be over what constitutes a legitimate exception.” According to Krauthammer, the dialogue politicians should be having is how to define and codify torture practices.
They go on to state the obvious - that despite torture being prohibited, it is known to happen. This debating technique of making observations to ease the audience into accepting a yet to be justified claim doesn't qualify as an argument. Their observations only lead to a claim that legalized torture will reduce the instances of torture. The authors claim that torture is permissible (assuming one judges rightly) in the case where an innocent life will be saved. History has repeatedly proven torture is ineffective.
While the scare is over terrorism rather than communism, the principle is the same. Out of this terror, paranoia, fear, and general discomfort, historians tend to draw a more positive light to shine through the darkness of the age. The terrorist attack on the twin towers on September 11th was one spark that started the fire against terrorism. People, primarily men of Middle Eastern descent are the new subjects of discrimination - in the eyes of the fear-ridden American they are possible terrorist threats. The country, just like in the 1950’s – nearly 60 years prior was, and is sold on fear.
However, they also admit “mismanagement at multiple levels” and inflating the importance of some information gained through torture. Whether you agree with George W. Bush that torture is an effective way to protect your country or with Senator McCain who feels that torture does more harm than good, the facts of the report show that the CIA knowingly and I think purposely misled the public and the
All Muslims seek to be martyrs. The tern is used to describe this act was important, whereas; suicide bomber implied an impulsive act by a deranged individual. The missions were ones that were deliberately and carefully chosen as part of their religious obligation. Rantisi emphasized “we do not order them to do it, but give them permission for them at certain times”. These acts were only allowed in response to acts of violence brought on by the Israeli side, which frequently affected innocent civilians.
The Real Effects of Torture “If we are unwilling to torture, we should be willing to wage modern war.”(Harris). This quote is from the article “In Defense of Torture” where author Sam Harris makes a stance stating that torture should be legal. Throughout this article Harris makes comparisons between the lives of innocent people and the lives of terrorists and other war criminals. His main point of argument is that dropping a bomb on a foreign country creates collateral damage killing some innocent people along the way, and that collateral damage is more detrimental to a foreign country than torturing people for information. Harris provides a good point of argument with these examples, however, this argument is flawed.
Arguments For Torture * Greater potential to gain valuable information quickly * “ticking bomb” case * One or more innocent life is at stake * The captured prisoner has information that could save the live(s) but refuses to divulge * According to human rights activist, Areyeh Spero, “we must choose the life of the innocent over the condition of the guilty. Unlike American citizens, the terrorist has a way out” * Other countries do it * banning torture puts U.S. at a competitive disadvantage * Prisoner of war * Terrorist groups aren’t nation states and don’t deserve Geneva Convention protection * Basic human rights shouldn’t apply to prisoners that are willing to kill innocent
Dropping the bomb on an already defeated country would damage the moral leadership of United States. We should show our values and humane cares. Killing civilians is inhumane and unnecessary since we’re so close to winning. We can even continue fighting with soldiers and still win. Also, by not using the bomb, the U.S won’t be held responsible for all the innocent lives lost from the bombings and won’t feel shameful for the lives lost.