Is Torture Ok?

There is an ongoing debate on whether torture should be used and if it is ever “ok”. There are many different points of view and both sides have very clear, convincing arguments on whether torture should be used as a way to obtain information. One side says that torture is not necessary even in extreme cases. The other side it should be used if it mandatory. Although these sound like a compromise they do have a few conflicting ideas. Even though both essays are trying to sway the reader to one side or another, it is the reader’s choice on how he or she feels on torture. The first piece I chose was “The Case for Torture” the author of the essay claims there are certain times when the only interrogating tool to use is torture. The author feels that in extreme cases torture should be used to gain knowledge especially when human life is at stake. One example is if there was a bomb and a terrorist knew where it was and would not tell and millions of people would be killed. In this case the author sees fit that the only way to get any useable information is using pain. The author feels if torture is a way to save millions of lives then it is justifiable. Also, in the case of torture, torture should not be used as punishment. It should only be used to prevent something from happening. The function of using this argument is not to bring anyone back that was a victim or harmed, but rather to get a truthful confession or to prevent that person from causing harm to others. Towards the end of the essay the author states that torture should only be used for the guilty and to save innocent lives. The biggest argument that the author uses is the fact that torture should only be used in extreme cases. He uses examples that many people could relate to. This makes all of the arguments stronger and more convincing. He even uses new born babies in one of his examples so there is even an emotional aspect of his arguments. He is quite persuasive mainly because I do think