".[a] provocative and pugnacious book . this is bold and robust work, which should be engaged with by anyone with a serious interest in these issues . [Steinhoff] has thrown down a gauntlet to which absolutist critics of torture must respond." -- Criminal Law and Philosophy ".an important book . This is not the first book to make a right-based defense of torture, but it makes the case powerfully and rebuts in detail the major anti-torture authors." -- Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews "Replete with well-crafted thought experiments designed to make his points, and taking his opponents' arguments seriously in addressing their objections to his view, Steinhoff's On the Ethics of Torture is a study in how applied ethics should be done .

Highly recommended." -- CHOICE " On the Ethics of Torture is superb. It is by far the best treatment of the topic." -- Allen Buchanan, author of Justice, Legitimacy, and Self-Determination: Moral Foundations for International Law "This is a controversial work and while I don't agree with its main positive conclusion, there is no denying that Steinhoff demolishes many of the influential arguments of those who believe that torture can never be justified. For this reason alone, the book warrants attention." -- Seumas Miller, author of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: Ethics and Liberal Democracy " On the Ethics of Torture is the single best discussion of the moral status of torture. It is outstanding. Steinhoff's book is powerfully argued, organized, concise, and highly readable.

This is essential reading for anyone who wishes to think seriously about the topic." -- Stephen Kershnar, author of For Torture: A Rights-Based Defense.