Question

Pfaff argues that a utilitarian argument for taking a group of people and torturing them is wrong. Explain this utilitarian argument for torture and why Pfaff thinks it is wrong.

Answer 1

The utilitarian argument for torture includes the nations having the right to torture if a threat is imminent and the individual in custody may be holding crucial information needed to stop the attack. As this maximizes utility by preventing the greatest amount of unhappiness. Pfaff argues that a utilitarian argument for taking a group of people and torturing them is wrong as it is a violation of human rights and a transgression of the categorical imperatives according to the Kantian view.