Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

The definition of "torture" you're using isn't a good one.

Check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torture#Definitions

The UN Convention Against Torture, the first example in that section, doesn't make the distinction you're making.




Thanks for linking that. Perhaps I should have been more clear.

While some of the things done to Guantanamo detainees qualify as "torture" under the UN definition (e.g. waterboarding), I can imagine a smart and determined psychiatrist working around that definition of torture and yet leaving a person in a psychological state which makes clear the immense immorality of their work.

In other words, there exists a set of "enhanced interrogations" that are not technically torture (in the way that waterboarding is), but that are still morally abhorrent and would likely be prohibited if revealed.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: