Discussion Questions

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages to considering the moral legitimacy of torture under a time bomb scenario? Would you be supportive of such an approach? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think the US has a better chance at “winning” the war on terror from a consequentialist or nonconsequentialist perspective? Or, would you suggest some other ethical system as a framework?
  3. Does the principle of double effect really justify antiterrorist activities, as suggested by Bauhn? How might Walzer respond to this question?
  4. Do you think a hard line criminal justice approach, as described by Wilkinson, would be sufficient to combat terrorism? Would it be effective with some forms of terrorism over others?