Fritz Allhoff
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226014838
- eISBN:
- 9780226014821
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226014821.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The general consensus among philosophers is that the use of torture is never justified. This book demonstrates the weakness of the case against torture. While allowing that torture constitutes a ...
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The general consensus among philosophers is that the use of torture is never justified. This book demonstrates the weakness of the case against torture. While allowing that torture constitutes a moral wrong, it nevertheless argues that, in exceptional cases, it represents the lesser of two evils. The book does not take this position lightly. It begins by examining the way terrorism challenges traditional norms, discussing the morality of various practices of torture, and critically exploring the infamous ticking time-bomb scenario. After carefully considering these issues from a purely philosophical perspective, the book turns to the empirical ramifications of his arguments, addressing criticisms of torture and analyzing the impact its adoption could have on democracy, institutional structures, and foreign policy. The crucial questions of how to justly authorize torture and how to set limits on its use make up the final section of the book.Less
The general consensus among philosophers is that the use of torture is never justified. This book demonstrates the weakness of the case against torture. While allowing that torture constitutes a moral wrong, it nevertheless argues that, in exceptional cases, it represents the lesser of two evils. The book does not take this position lightly. It begins by examining the way terrorism challenges traditional norms, discussing the morality of various practices of torture, and critically exploring the infamous ticking time-bomb scenario. After carefully considering these issues from a purely philosophical perspective, the book turns to the empirical ramifications of his arguments, addressing criticisms of torture and analyzing the impact its adoption could have on democracy, institutional structures, and foreign policy. The crucial questions of how to justly authorize torture and how to set limits on its use make up the final section of the book.
Mark D. Brewer and Jeffrey M. Stonecash
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780190239817
- eISBN:
- 9780190239848
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190239817.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
While liberalism has evolved, conservatives continue to believe in limited government and the fundamental importance of individual responsibility as a motivator to make individuals productive and ...
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While liberalism has evolved, conservatives continue to believe in limited government and the fundamental importance of individual responsibility as a motivator to make individuals productive and achieve their potential. They also believe in enduring social norms as guides as to how people should behave if they are to achieve and be self-sufficient. Conservatives have mobilized to oppose changes in liberalism, arguing that liberal presumptions are detrimental to American society.Less
While liberalism has evolved, conservatives continue to believe in limited government and the fundamental importance of individual responsibility as a motivator to make individuals productive and achieve their potential. They also believe in enduring social norms as guides as to how people should behave if they are to achieve and be self-sufficient. Conservatives have mobilized to oppose changes in liberalism, arguing that liberal presumptions are detrimental to American society.
