Single Idea 6572

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 3. Punishment / a. Right to punish]

Full Idea

The purposes of punishment include deterrence, prevention, rehabilitation, and retribution, but they don't always sit well together. Deterrence is best served by making prisons miserable places, but this may run counter to rehabilitation.

Clarification

'Retribution' is revenge

Gist of Idea

Deterrence, prevention, rehabilitation and retribution can come into conflict in punishments

Source

Robert Fogelin (Walking the Tightrope of Reason [2003], Ch.2)

Book Reference

Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.62


A Reaction

It seems to most educated people that retribution should be pushed far down the list if we are to be civilised (see Idea 1659), and yet personal revenge for a small act of aggression seems basic, normal and acceptable. We dream of rehabilitation.

Related Idea

Idea 1659 Protagoras seems to have made the huge move of separating punishment from revenge [Protagoras, by Vlastos]