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Tortured Logic: Information and Brutality in Interrogations.

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Interrogational torture does not yield reliable information and cannot be controlled. A game theoretic model shows torture is unpredictable, frequently used, and brutal, undermining pragmatic arguments for its use.

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Area of Science:

  • Game Theory
  • Political Science
  • Ethics

Background:

  • Pragmatic arguments for interrogational torture assume information reliability and controllability.
  • These arguments face challenges regarding the effectiveness and ethical implications of torture.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess claims made by proponents of interrogational torture.
  • To analyze the reliability, frequency, and severity of torture using a game theoretic model.

Main Methods:

  • A game theoretic model was developed to simulate interrogational torture scenarios.
  • Eight possible outcomes were generated by varying interrogator and detainee types.
  • Outcomes were compared against proponent claims of reliable information, minimized frequency, and controlled severity.

Main Results:

  • Only two of eight outcomes yielded complete information, both involving torture of innocents.
  • Detainees were tortured in seven of eight outcomes, including innocents.
  • Interrogator incentives led to increased brutality and unreliable information.

Conclusions:

  • The model's outcomes contradict the core assumptions of pragmatic arguments for torture.
  • Information obtained through torture is unpredictable and unreliable.
  • Torture's frequency and brutality escalate beyond control, violating ethical and practical limits.