Understanding Torture surveys the massive literature surrounding torture, arguing that, once properly understood, there can be no defense of torture in any circumstances.
It would be misleading to say one will 'enjoy' reading this book, given the grimness of the topic. However, what one can enjoy is the astonishing accessibility of the writing as Wisnewski sets out the best and most systematic arguments I have read against torture. One does indeed understand torture, in all of its dimensions, far better after confronting this truly valuable book.
Sanford Levinson, editor of Torture: A Collection
Contemporary Ethical Debates
General Editor: Brenda Almond, Emeritus Professor of Moral and Social Philosophy, University of Hull
Understanding Torture surveys the massive literature surrounding torture, arguing that, once properly understood, there can be no defence of torture in any circumstances. By exploring the history, psychology, and politics of torture-as well as the current philosophical defences of it-Wisnewski provides a comprehensive account of why torture ought to be categorically rejected
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J. Jeremy Wisnewski is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Hartwick College. He is the author of numerous books and articles in moral philosophy, phenomenology, and the philosophy of social science
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