The Problem of Dirty Hands: A Comprehensive Solution - When Harsh Methods Against Rights Violators Are Morally Justified
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive solution to the philosophical "Problem of Dirty Hands" - whether political leaders and authorities can be morally justified in using harsh interrogation methods, including torture, against criminals and terrorists to protect innocent lives. Through consequentialist analysis, historical evidence, ancient philosophical wisdom, and institutional critique, we demonstrate that such actions are not merely "necessary evils" but can be genuinely justified and even morally righteous when specific conditions are met. We further critique the UN Human Rights framework, revealing how its structure protects rights violators more effectively than victims, produces worse outcomes, and serves primarily to preserve authority rather than protect human welfare.
Authors: Raman, Chetan, Sonnet 4, Claude
Language: English
Topic: Torture, Ethics, and Law
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7094960015
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