The definition of torture is very context dependent. Sleep deprivation might be torture if used as a “breakdown” technique; but not as part of interrogation. The use of a hood would be acceptable in a situation where control was imperative, but not in a prolonged situation. Etc.
From the Churches point of view, although I don’t know if she has made such a definitive statement as this, but drawing from various church documents, torture would be anything that wilfully, violently(either physical or psychological) and unjustly infringes on the human dignity of another in a calculated way. Waterboarding would certainly fall within this category. I don’t see how torture would fall under any concept of just war policy or self defence either. Hope that helps
Great description. Just one example i could think of would be bullying in all its forms.
