After consulting http://terrorism.about.com/od/humanrights/a/TortureDebate.htm, my opinion on the "ticking bomb" scenario is slightly stronger. I agree with Luban in that no person can have absolute certainty that the individual he/she has in custody knows the location of the "ticking bomb." There is always some room for error. What if the individual truly does not have any information regarding the whereabouts or creation of the bomb? Torturing him/her is evil and, certainly, unethical.
If persons decide to torture an individual whom they believe has information that they are seeking, for how long will these persons torture their captive? If the supposed bomb isn't scheduled to explode for months, then is the person in custody likely to be tortured for months if she/he does not reveal any information?
Furthermore, if we deem torture of a person whom we believe may have information regarding the location of a ticking bomb acceptable, then might we also view torture of this individual's loved ones also permissible? Some persons may find this acceptable since it is even harsher and may elicit information. This notion creates a slippery slope of irrational and unethical thoughts/behaviors. Personally, I find it all quite sickening.
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