Purely as a thought experiment, I’d like to see reactions to the idea of a ticking bomb and the ethics of torture made popular by Jack Bauer in 24. The first two scenarios are inspired by 24, the last by a raft of kidnap films from Hollywood. In all the scenarios below, to avoid repetition - standard interrogation has been exhausted, as have attempts at coercion/bribery/offers of immunity etc. In all the scenarios, you can do the dirty work yourself or ask an ominous looking man with a mysterious briefcase. Assume you’re in a position of authority in all the scenarios.
On the poll; I’ve put it as a multiple choice, the scenarios are in ALL CAPS; I had to put them in the format of another poll question but the actual options are below.
Scenario 1: The Feds have captured a man involved in an extremist militia group. Through surveillance they have determined he was/is involved in the planning of an upcoming terrorist attack. Specifically, an impending bomb attack in a populated area, like a shopping mall or high street - somewhere that will potentially cause hundreds of casualties. Authorities are sweeping all likely buildings, but with no concrete details it’s unlikely to be successful. Under standard interrogation he reveals that the bomb has been planted and the clock is ticking - it will explode in about 12 hours, but refuses to divulge its location. What do you do?
Scenario 2: The CIA have picked up a leading terror suspect. He is suspected of stealing a nuclear device from the Ruskies and according to surveillance the CIA has firm reason to believe that he is currently shipping it to your country - you have 12 hours maximum before the ship reaches any destination in your country, figuring in loading and unloading times. Unfortunately they haven’t picked up the name of the ship or its destination, and once again he’d refusing to talk. The authorities are on the lookout for suspicious activity around ports, but without more concrete details there’s a good chance that the stolen nuke will slip through and cause potentially millions of casualties. He refuses to say anything. What do you do?
Scenario 3: A ruthless criminal gang have kidnapped your close loved ones - wife/mother/sister/daughter/husband/father/brother/son, delete as applicable. You receive note asking for a ransom of $1 million in 12 hours. The police tell you that in 100% of cases involving this particular gang, even if the ransom is delivered the captees are murdered anyway. Fortunately meticulous forensics performed on the ransom note - DNA and fingerprints - are already on the police radar and they pick up the suspect. They recognise him as one of the head-honchos of the gang who, if he doesn’t know where your family are, at least knows where to find someone who does. He’s the only lead you have, but isn’t saying a word. What do you do?
BBC link to similar questions; I’m wondering where the Dope stacks up.