ABSTRACT
Controversies, including reports of abuse at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib, allegations of extraordinary rendition programs, and the ever-increasing pervasiveness of the “surveillance state,” have all raised concerns regarding the role of intelligence in society. As a result, there is increased debate regarding the question of whether or not intelligence collection can be carried out ethically. This entry examines the importance of examining intelligence ethically by reviewing the harm it can cause and then applying different ethical schools of thought to determine if and under what circumstances it can be justified.
