Punishment and Desert

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Punishment and Desert by J. Kleinig, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: J. Kleinig ISBN: 9789401020275
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: J. Kleinig
ISBN: 9789401020275
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Superficial acquaintance with the literature on punishment leaves a fairly definite impression. There are two approaches to punishment - retributive and utilitarian - and while some attempts may be made to reconcile them, it is the former rather than the latter which requires the reconciliation. Taken by itself the retributive approach is primitive and unenlightened, falling short of the rational civilized humanitarian values which we have now acquired. Certainly this is the dominant impression left by 'popular' discussions of the SUbject. And retributive vs. utilitarian seems to be the mould in which most philosophical dis­ cussions are cast. The issues are far more complex than this. Punishment may be con­ sidered in a great variety of contexts - legal, educational, parental, theological, informal, etc. - and in each of these contexts several im­ portant moral questions arise. Approaches which see only a simple choice between retributivism and utilitarianism tend to obscure this variety and plurality. But even more seriously, the distinction between retributivism and utilitarianism is far from clear. That it reflects the traditional distinction between deontological and teleological ap­ proaches to ethics serves to transfer rather than to resolve the un­ clarity. Usually it is said that retributive approaches seek to justify acts by reference to features which are intrinsic to them, whereas utilitarian approaches appeal to the consequences of such acts. This, however, makes assumptions about the individuation of acts which are difficult to justify.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Superficial acquaintance with the literature on punishment leaves a fairly definite impression. There are two approaches to punishment - retributive and utilitarian - and while some attempts may be made to reconcile them, it is the former rather than the latter which requires the reconciliation. Taken by itself the retributive approach is primitive and unenlightened, falling short of the rational civilized humanitarian values which we have now acquired. Certainly this is the dominant impression left by 'popular' discussions of the SUbject. And retributive vs. utilitarian seems to be the mould in which most philosophical dis­ cussions are cast. The issues are far more complex than this. Punishment may be con­ sidered in a great variety of contexts - legal, educational, parental, theological, informal, etc. - and in each of these contexts several im­ portant moral questions arise. Approaches which see only a simple choice between retributivism and utilitarianism tend to obscure this variety and plurality. But even more seriously, the distinction between retributivism and utilitarianism is far from clear. That it reflects the traditional distinction between deontological and teleological ap­ proaches to ethics serves to transfer rather than to resolve the un­ clarity. Usually it is said that retributive approaches seek to justify acts by reference to features which are intrinsic to them, whereas utilitarian approaches appeal to the consequences of such acts. This, however, makes assumptions about the individuation of acts which are difficult to justify.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Searching the Heavens and the Earth by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Teachers' Learning by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Mundus Cognobilis and Mundus Causalis by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Sustainability Science by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Tradition and Innovation by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Ambassador at Large: Diplomat Extraordinary by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Atlas of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lung and Esophageal Cancer by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Riverbank Filtration by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Studies in Process Philosophy I by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 2 by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Educational Encounters: Nordic Studies in Early Childhood Didactics by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book The Application of Economic Techniques in Environmental Impact Assessment by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Pathogenesis and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Mycobacterial Skin Diseases by J. Kleinig
Cover of the book Michel Foucault: Personal Autonomy and Education by J. Kleinig
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy