How should we respond to manifestations of Hell on earth? The answer we give is a matter of prescription. One form of prescription is duty. In the preceding section, we discussed the moral implications of hell. In this section, I want to ask whether we have a duty to follow our moral principles.
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TERRORISM AND TORTURE: “GIVE ‘EM HELL!”
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43)
27. Tuesday, November 26.
Today, I am asking you to read several essays about the use of torture as a response to terrorism. We will discuss three interrelated issues:
a. What is torture? b. Is torture morally acceptable under some circumstances? Are there good and bad forms of torture? c. What, if anything, does torture do to the torturer?
Specifically, we will use two cases of torture as a background to our discussion: 1) the “prisoner abuse” (or torture) of inmates at Abu Ghraib; 2) the use of “waterboarding” as an interrogation technique. Overall, I’d like you to think in broader terms about the use of torture as a means for combatting terrorism. In addition, I would like you to think about the way we treat our enemies. Should we treat them as they treat us or should we treat them as we would hope to be treated?
Torture at Abu Ghraib:
- CBS Reports: “Prisoner Abuse at Abu Ghraib”: SKIM
- U. S. Department of Defense: “Report Faults Intelligence Soldiers at Abu Ghraib”: READ
- Optional: Sworn Statements by Detainees at Abu Ghraib These are graphic documents. Read only as many as you need to gain a basic impression.
- Optional: Abu Ghraib photos These are graphic photos. Again, look at only as many as you need.
Interrogation through waterboarding: Getting Waterboarded: WATCH
Forgiveness: William Bole, “Forgiveness Makes the Future Possible”: PRINT AND READ
Thursday, November 28 – Sunday December 1: Thanksgiving Holiday
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POVERTY: “AMERICA’S HELL ON EARTH”
28. Tuesday, December 3.
What does it mean to be poor? What impact does poverty have? What are human beings entitled to by virtue of their humanity?
- Alex Kotlowitz, There are No Children Here (first half).
- No electricity, no water in South Bend: READ
29. Thursday, December 5.
Debate #3: “As good Americans, we are morally obliged to do whatever it takes to make sure that our fellow human beings no longer suffer from the consequences of poverty.”
Every underlined word counts!
- Alex Kotlowitz, There are No Children Here (finish the book)
30. Tuesday, December 10.
Discussion with Fr. Hesburgh. Meet at Fr. Hesburgh’s office in Hesburgh Library at 4:30. Please be on time.
31. Thursday, December 12:
A wrap up of our seminar.
Your Final Essay Assignment will be around HERE
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OMG: Please leave your technology at home. This includes electronic devices of any kind, such as laptops, i-Pads, cell phones, tape recorders, Kindles, trap and trace monitors, video cameras, or other personal digital devices.