Subject: Re: Steak Knife Decryption To: mpd@netcom.com (Mike Duvos) Date: Sat, 7 Jun 1997 00:44:15 -0500 (CDT) Cc: cypherpunks@cyberpass.net From: ichudov@algebra.com (Igor Chudov @ home) Organization: Bool Sheet Software Reply-to: ichudov@algebra.com (Igor Chudov @ home)
Mike Duvos wrote:
I am not quite clear if rational people can get something out of torturing other rational people. Maybe, I am confused and wrong somewhere. - Igor.
Torture is a means of producing an irrational state in people's minds (at least temporarily), thus causing them to do things they would not rationally do (sign a prepared confession, reveal a secret, etc) If torture could not do this, it would not be used; verbal persuasion over tea and crumpets is *so* much more pleasant. Even people who might be able to face a more or less painless death with equanimity (in the pursuit of some greater cause) may break down as the bamboo splints are pushed under their fingernails. 'Rational torture victim' is an oxymoron. Peter Trei trei@process.com