Torture, the meaning is horrific yet unclear. Its terror comes from our most basic fears for survival. In a cruel twist of fate, its limits are partially determined by the one being tortured, making it that much more frightening. For the purpose of this discussion torture is defined as severe physical or mental pain and suffering inflicted upon a victim by perpetrators with the aim to obtain information or confessions.
The argument is not whether torture is right or wrong because it is simply wrong. But can it ever be justified?
The use of physical torment to obtain valuable intelligence has been a staple of humanity dating as far back to biblical times with acts like crucifixion. Today, organizations like Amnesty International are against interrogation torture by claiming everyone has the right to live free of the threat of torture. However, the US Central Intelligence Agency employs torture interrogation as the outcomes of failing to torture terrorists (e.g. those that possess information about the planned use of weapons of mass destruction) could weaken state security. Since the tragedy of 9/11 calls for torture during interrogation of terrorists have come from unlikely places. According to one online poll conducted by About.com, 65% of those taking the poll approve of torture interrogation (49% in all circumstances, 7% to prevent acts of terror and gain information about other terrorists, and 9% just to prevent upcoming terrorist action).
For the purposes of this discussion we will be limiting our talk to its use as a form of interrogation. Also, the point of this discussion is not to come up with new forms or go into gory details for two reasons: 1) There are too many ways and not enough time to cover them all and 2) we’re at a restaurant. As interesting as your upside down, water droplet, thumbscrew combo is, that family at the next table is trying to eat (and so are we).
Please note that while discussing how it can be prevented, use of the terms “society”, “UN”, “peacekeepers”, and “make people understand” is strictly prohibited. How do you make people understand? Under threat of torture?
Questions:
1. We will be looking at the why, not the how of torture, focusing on if and when it could be deemed acceptable. If so, who decides this?
2. How do these people reach that point of desperation?
3. What are the long-term effects on those involved (for both parties)?
4. Are some forms more acceptable, if so why? Can it ever really be stopped?
5. What is torture interrogation’s presence in popular media and how this affects the public’s view of torture?
Suggested Reading:
1) Torture & the Media http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/torture.html
2) Basic Definition of Torture http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torture
3) Theoretical arguments for & against torture http://www.usafa.af.mil/jscope/JSCOPE03/Casebeer03.html
When: Tuesday, June 19, 2007, 5:30pm
Who: Hosted by Andrew Raven & RSVP with An at thewordottawa@gmail.com
