Moral implications of torture
Considering the use of torture in order to obtain information from those who are thought to be withholding it has been a question that has plagued many people over the years, from the most educated lawyer to your average blue collar worker. ... Dershowitz is very much in favor of using torture, if under the right circumstances. He (2003) believes that torture should be reserved until needed, as a last resort measure in a ticking- time bomb case, in order to save lives. ... Dershowitz (2003) also brings forth the idea of a “torture warrant”, while recognizing the enormous strain this would put on the government in deciding when it is necessary. Roth stands on the opposite side of the spectrum, in which he is completely against the use of torture under any circumstances. He believes that once you open the door to torture, it is impossible to close. ... Roth (2003) is a firm believer that the United States is a role model for the rest of the world, and that if we allow torture to occur, others countries will follow the lead. Both men have strong arguments, Roth believing in the upholding of moral values, and Dershowitz justifying torture as being for the greater good. ... Thomas Hobbes, a philosopher of the 17th century, would be a fascinating person to present the question of torture to.