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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker points out that definitions of torture are subjective, noting that one person's torture could be another's training exercise.
In plain terms
What counts as torture depends on perspective.
What can you take from it?
Definitions can be manipulated for political purposes.

Where it applies

  • human rights discussion
  • legal debate

Putting it to work

  • clarify terms before argument
  • avoid euphemisms

Questions to consider

  • How can we standardize definitions of torture?
  • What are the risks of relativizing human rights?

Another view

The quote is vague and offers no concrete criteria.

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