Torture has no single real goal separable from its justification

Evidence

Critics sometimes claim that “the extraction of information” is not the real goal of torture, but rather torture’s justification. But I suggest that there is no such thing as “the real goal of torture.” The motives (conscious and unconscious) of someone who carries out specific acts of torture are usually varied and mixed. The idea that specific acts of torture should be understood by the agent’s motivation is either circular or based on the sentimental (and false) belief that only peculiar psychological types are capable of great cruelty. — Talal Asad, Formations of the Secular, 508 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

The use of torture by liberal-democratic states is part of their attempt to control populations of noncitizens. In such cases torture cannot be attributed to “primitive urges”—as Scott suggested. Nor to governmental techniques for disciplining citizens, as Rejali has argued. It is to be understood as a means used strategically for the maintenance of the nation-state’s interests. Like warfare. — Talal Asad, Formations of the Secular, 562 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Torture cannot be explained by a single real goal or torturer psychology — Talal Asad, Formations of the Secular:…, 508; Torture is distinguished from brutality by its systematic purpose of extraction; Liberal torture is a strategic state tool, not primitive cruelty — Talal Asad, Formations of the Secular:…, 562 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Torture cannot be explained by a single real goal or torturer psychology #corroborates (0.92) — Talal Asad, Formations of the Secular, 508
• Torture is distinguished from brutality by its systematic purpose of extraction #complicates (0.85)
• Liberal torture is a strategic state tool, not primitive cruelty #complicates (0.82) — Talal Asad, Formations of the Secular, 562
• The ticking time bomb scenario is the canonical utilitarian justification for torture #complicates (0.78)