War and Ethics

I think the major ethical dilemma that the film raises is the permissibility of torture. Is United States justified in torturing people if it brings an end to the war? The basis for arguing yes to the question depends on having a utilitarian outlook. Waterboarding and other such forms of interrogation provide valuable information which helps thwart the efforts of Al-Qaeda and other terrorist originations. The pain caused by interrogators is justified because it is serves the greater good. However, I am not convinced it really does server the greater good. It advances the United States interests in the Middle East however, is that severing the human race? It is easy to get bogged down in labeling one side good and one side evil. Once these labels are attached it is easy to justify unethical action in service to ones cause.

I am of the mindset that war is inherently terrible however there are a lot of terrible things in the world. That does not change the fact that we have to deal with them. If the United States did not excel in warfare other nations would take advantage of us. I believe torturing people is unethical yet that does not change utility of it.