Applied Ethics: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Question 1

Outline the Utilitarian view on Crime

Answer 1

• Laws are justified if they maximise utility

- e.g. stealing from a billionaire to fund an orphanage. An ACT U would agree, a RULE U would disagree

Question 2

Outline the Utilitarian view on Punishment

Answer 2

• Punishment is bad as it brings displeasure
• All pain is equal and bad
• Bentham: punishment is evil unless it prevents future harm
• Punishments should cost more in pain than the crime (and graded)
• Capital Punishment is justified if retribution is served

Question 3

Outline the Deontological view on Crime&Punishment

Answer 3

• U treats people as a means to an end
• A criminal’s actions are not universalisable and punishments should restore balance
• Maxim: punishments should restore order

Question 4

Outline the Virtue Ethics view on Crime&Punishment

Answer 4

• Which Virtues/Vices are reinforced?
• Use of Phronesis?
• Motive for punishment?
• Doctrine of the mean
• Justice must be served for a society to flourish
• e.g. stealing drugs to save a village would be justified - they need the drugs to flourish

Question 5

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Answer 5

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Question 5

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Answer 5

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Question 6

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Answer 6

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Question 7

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Answer 7

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