Michael Levin The Case For Torture

Torture to most people is a cruel and unusual regimen. It's also considered as evil. Intolerable, and unconstitutional. Most of us has experienced the horrific Hollywood films and real life events involving torture. Michael Levin, a well known professor of philosophy at Columbia University, advocated for the usage of torture as a preferred method of preventing evil and he explains why in his article “The Case for Torture.” Levin is known for his philosophy on controversial subjects. So his position on torture and the logical thinking behind it is not surprising. Levin believes that torture, in regards to certain circumstances and situations, can be morally required.

As a disclaimer, Levin does state that he does not advocate torture as a remedy for punishment. He states “punishment is addressed to deeds irrevocably past. Rather, I am advocating torture as an acceptable measure for preventing future evils.” (Levin 102-103 pp) He uses terrorism as a lesson to expand his philosophy on torture being used as a justifiable method. The example includes a terrorist placing a bomb in a can undisclosed location on Manhattan island, that once it is detonated, it will wipe out millions of people. Eventually, the terrorist

In this instance, he is testing his philosophy on using torture as a prevention method of future evil. He asks, in this extreme case is torturing a terrorist considered unconstitutional and barbaric. Is sacrificing the lives of millions of people versus one terrorist really worth our