[wideawake]

The whole argument seems to be based on the notion that tortured suspects will lie to end the pain/discomfort.

While this is undoubtedly true, the interrogator simply needs to make it understood that if the prisoner's information cannot be empirically verified, the pain/discomfort will continue or intensify until it can be.

Problem solved.

[PapaBear3625]

The whole argument seems to be based on the notion that tortured suspects will lie to end the pain/discomfort. While this is undoubtedly true, the interrogator simply needs to make it understood that if the prisoner's information cannot be empirically verified, the pain/discomfort will continue or intensify until it can be.

Exactly. Opponents say "the subject will say anything to avoid torture". "Anything" includes the truth.

Never ask questions whose answers cannot be verified, and let the subject know that bad things will happen if he lies to us.