Torture: A Collection

by Sanford Levinson (Editor)

Torture is perhaps the most unequivocally banned practice in the world today. Yet recent photographs from Abu Ghraib substantiated claims that the United States and some of its allies are using methods of questioning relating to the war on terrorism that could be described as torture or, at the very least, as inhuman and degrading. In terror's wake, the use of such methods, at least under some conditions, has gained some prominent defenders, notably from within the White House. In this revised edition, A Collection brings together leading lawyers, political theorists, social scientists, and public intellectuals to debate the advisability of maintaining the absolute ban and to reflect on what it says about our societies if we do--or do not--adhere to it in all circumstances. New to this edition are essays by Charles Krauthammer and Andrew Sullivan on the adoption in 2005 of the McCain Amendment, which explicitly bars the use of torture and other cruel methods of
interrogation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Politics, Law

342 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Sanford Victor Levinson is a prominent American liberal law professor and acknowledged expert on Constitutional law and legal scholar and professor of government at the University of Texas Law School. He is notable for his criticism of the United States Constitution as well as excessive presidential power and has been widely quoted on such topics as the Second Amendment, gay marriage, nominations to the Supreme Court, and other legal issues. He has called for a Second Constitutional Convention of the United States.

Reviews

[Jerry Peace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this if: 1. You want to read some academic discussion of the difference between "torture" and "cruel, inhuman and degrading." You know, it really doesn't matter what lawyers call putting a heated rod up your anus. Really. Torture compared to "torture-lite." Bad stuff and really bad stuff. That which leaves a mark and that which doesn't. That which does lasting physical damage and that which only does some (what? 10 years versus forever?) 2. You want to join a bunch of academics who say we simply cannot afford the luxury of morality these days. Richard Posner, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals, ridicules the eloquent say-no-to torture plea of Ariel Dorfman-"..is not only overwrought in tone but irresponsible in content." He also accuses Dorfman of taking an abstract moral stance, when most of the torture apologists, after wringing their hands, defend torture in the hypothetical "ticking bomb" scenario. And Posner, alone, briefly, asks what is the acceptable number of "innocents" threatened to justify at best guesswork torture? 100,000 citizens? 100 school children? 50 elderly bedridden? 10 homeless? 1 kidnapped prostitute? 3. You want to read a short, eloquent defense of the moral stand that torture, by any name and for any "reason," is wrong. The forward by Ariel Dorfman is worth the price of admission. But don't read this book if you're looking for a Christian perspective. I suppose it's gone the way of morality-an interesting hobby but irrelevant in our world of fear.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents a thorough account on the major debates on torture. Though many of the articles by the respective authors take clear stances on proposed legality of torture, and various torture methods, the book overall presents a reasonably balanced debate. Issues related to torture and its effectiveness in counterterrorism are explored, as are the historical uses of torture in the West, and relevant American and International law. Each essay is well thought out and well argued. The book is of great use to both those who are still on the fence, as well as those who feel they have a firm grasp on the issue, and need to understand 'the other side' of the debate. Highly recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get off your cushy couch and read about how f'd up the world can be.

[Paul Froehlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

While President Obama ended the use of torture, the debate about it has continued. The Senate report on the inefficacy of torture in the capture of Bin Laden elicited heated criticism from Republicans, and the debate over torture may be renewed for the 2016 election. Sarah Palin told the NRA Convention in April 2014 that “enemies of the United States carry out jihad. If I were in charge, they would know that waterboarding is how we would baptize terrorists.”

It’s timely, therefore, to review the collection of essays about torture by 17 scholars edited by Sanford Levinson, who reminds us that ending torture was offered as a reason to invade Iraq. “There is no way,” writes Levinson,” to avoid the moral difficulties generated by the possibility of torture. We are staring into the abyss, and no one can escape the necessity of a response.”

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even those who wield the implements of torture know that what they are doing is inhuman. This is a collection of essays that looks at various aspects of state sponsored torment and agony and is particularly valuable for the exchange between Alan Dershowitz and Ellen Scarry in which the author of "The Body in Pain" completely shreds Dershowitz's specious and dangerous arguments in favor of torture.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good points, including some by Posner. Though I understand the need for transparency, I can't say that I agree with Dershowitz's theory of torture warrants.

[Rebekah Suwak-Worsham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive with different perspectives, all arguing on the morality and legal binds of torture.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful reference. Recommended.

[Michelle Devidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on a very difficult topic - I would highly recommend it.