Do the ends justify the means when collecting military intelligence?

Question

Do the ends justify the means in matters of collecting military intelligence? That is, are you justified in using extreme tactics when your results are beneficial? For instance, in 24, Jack Bauer shoots people in the leg or pretends to kill their family in order to interrogate them and find out where a bomb is or something like that. He even led a covert operation into a Chinese consulate to kidnap an informant. In the end, such information is essentially helpful, so he doesn't get in trouble with his government. I imagine that many armies also employ such tactics in order to do their jobs.
What do you think?

Also, is it a sort of utilitarianism?

Give reasons why you think yes/no. And as for the oxymoron thing, it depends on what military you're talking about. If you're talking about the U.S., Pakistani, Israeli, etc. military, then it's probably an oxymoron.

I'm actually for it as long as it's the military of my country that's collecting the intelligence...

Answer 1

I think it is ok. If a spy has to shoot or torture a man to get vital information that's ok. He's out there to make sure we can all sleep peacefully at night, so why should ethics get in his way.

Answer 2

I am an older adult, so we're probably not coming from the same place, but here goes. There are some things (spying, etc) that all governments do to try to get any information they can that might help them fight their enemies. For instance, without spies we may never have found Saddam Hussein. It's not a game like in the movies, it's a very serious and hazardous profession, but necessary for the safety of our nation.

Answer 3

potential won't be ready to justify an end, that would not make any experience. you do not use potential for the sake of utilising them, you utilize them to realize an end. Ends can justify potential yet not vice versa. That aside, some ends justify some potential. greater advantageous reasons supply you greater advantageous variety, yet there are continuously issues that are on no account perfect. Killing is commonly ordinary as incorrect, case in point. yet killing in a in simple terms conflict, consisting of one to unencumber a people, could be justified. on the different hand, in that comparable conflict committing conflict crimes would not be justified.

Answer 4

Yes, the ends justify the means. Using 24 was an excellent idea. "I'm JACK BAUER, *****!!" That's pretty much how it works sometimes, especially when dealing with scum.

Answer 5

Military intelligence? I thought that was an oxymoron.

Answer 6

This is one of those 'it depends on the situation' type questions.

There are scenarios where the answer is obviously 'yes'; scenarios where the answer is obviously 'no'; and scenarios where the answer is neither yes or no.

Answer 7

How else can you get the info to save peoples lives from people that are willing to strap bombs to their butt and blow you up

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

If it saves lives, yes.