Should We Torture?
These passages present a discussion about arguments concerning torture. This is an important debate for many Americans since torture, by its very nature, is cruel. The two positions argue whether or not the the U.S. should have the ability to use torture against terrorists. Both viewpoints have valid claims warranting consideration; for example evidence indicates that innocent people may be tortured. In contrast, opposing evidence suggests that this concern is of little significance. While both sides of the issue have valid points, the claim that torture should be used against terrorists is the stronger position, the position supported by a preponderance of the evidence cited in the passages. The most convincing and forceful reasons in support of this position are that torture can save millions of lives, terrorists may give up information unknown to us, and terrorists deserve punishment for their crimes. Accordingly, these reasons and opposing
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should torture terrorists is that torture can save millions of lives. For example, if information obtained through torture is acted upon in time, it can save thousands, if not millions of American lives. In addition, torture can save America from economic damage caused by a large-scale terrorist attack. Consequently, if torture is used to attain information used to stop a terrorist attack, it is well worth any moral cost. The second relevant point to make in support of the claim that it should be legal for the U.S. to torture terrorists is that terrorists may give up information unknown to us. To illustrate this point, high ranking leaders of terrorist groups have knowledge of terror plans and other useful information. Additionally, a high ranking leader is likely to give up this information if subjected to enough pain. In short, torture could lead not only to information sought by interrogators, but also additional