On the Ethics of Torture

A detailed, clear, and comprehensive overview of the current philosophical debate on toture.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments Introduction 1. What Is Torture? 2. The Moral Justification of Torture The Argument from Self-defense What Is Self-defense? Proportionality, or: Many Forms of Torture Are Not as Bad as Killing The Argument from the Culpability for Creating a Forced-Choice Situation The Argument from Necessity Reminder: The Justification of Torture Is Compatible with Rights Absolutism The Utilitarian Argument 3. Defusing the Ticking-Social-Bomb Argument: Against Consequentialist Attempts to Undermine the Right to Self-defensive Torture 4. Against the Institutionalization of Torture 5. Legalizing Torture? 6. Objections Attempts to Quickly Dismiss the Argument from Self-defense and Other Rights-based Arguments The Defenselessness Argument But Is It Really Self-defense? Whitley Kaufman and Daniel Hill David Sussman's Complicity Argument Kant's Categorical Imperative: The Three Kantian Formulas "Breaking the Will" (and "Dignity," "Subject Status," and "Self-legislative Rulership") Torture and the Doctrine of Double Effect Is the Ticking-Bomb Example Unrealistic? "Torture Knows No Limits" 7. Is Justifying Torture Bad Even If Torture Is Sometimes Justified? Conclusions Notes References Index

About the Author :
Uwe Steinhoff is Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Hong Kong and Senior Research Associate in the University of Oxford Programme on the Changing Character of War. He is the author of several books, including On the Ethics of War and Terrorism.

Review :
"...[a] provocative and pugnacious book ... this is bold and robust work, which should be engaged with by anyone with a serious interest in these issues ... [Steinhoff] has thrown down a gauntlet to which absolutist critics of torture must respond." - Criminal Law and Philosophy "...an important book ... This is not the first book to make a right-based defense of torture, but it makes the case powerfully and rebuts in detail the major anti-torture authors." - Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews "Replete with well-crafted thought experiments designed to make his points, and taking his opponents' arguments seriously in addressing their objections to his view, Steinhoff's On the Ethics of Torture is a study in how applied ethics should be done ... Highly recommended." - CHOICE "On the Ethics of Torture is superb. It is by far the best treatment of the topic." - Allen Buchanan, author of Justice, Legitimacy, and Self-Determination: Moral Foundations for International Law "This is a controversial work and while I don't agree with its main positive conclusion, there is no denying that Steinhoff demolishes many of the influential arguments of those who believe that torture can never be justified. For this reason alone, the book warrants attention." - Seumas Miller, author of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: Ethics and Liberal Democracy "On the Ethics of Torture is the single best discussion of the moral status of torture. It is outstanding. Steinhoff's book is powerfully argued, organized, concise, and highly readable. This is essential reading for anyone who wishes to think seriously about the topic." - Stephen Kershnar, author of For Torture: A Rights-Based Defense