Theorist (Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Rawls, or Nozick).
Discuss one of the case studies in connection with a theorist (Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Rawls, or Nozick). Before embarking on this exercise, review the relevant discussions and previous case studies you've written.
Explain how the theorist you chose would evaluate one of the following cases we analyzed: Capital Punishment,
Sample Solution
Kant was a deontological philosopher, which means that he believed that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its conformity to a moral law. In his view, the moral law is based on the categorical imperative, which is a principle that states that we should only act in ways that we could will to be universal lawFull Answer Section
Kant was a deontological philosopher, which means that he believed that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its conformity to a moral law. In his view, the moral law is based on the categorical imperative, which is a principle that states that we should only act in ways that we could will to be universal laws. Kant would argue that capital punishment is wrong because it violates the categorical imperative. He would argue that we could not will that capital punishment be a universal law, because it would mean that everyone who commits a capital crime would be put to death. This would lead to a society where people were constantly afraid of being killed, and it would undermine the rule of law. Kant would also argue that capital punishment is wrong because it is not a just punishment. He would argue that the only just punishment is one that is proportional to the crime committed. In the case of capital punishment, the punishment is far greater than the crime, because even the most heinous crimes do not deserve the death penalty. In conclusion, Kant would argue that capital punishment is wrong because it violates the categorical imperative and because it is not a just punishment. He would believe that we should find other ways to punish criminals, such as life in prison. Here are some additional thoughts on how Kant might evaluate the case of capital punishment:- He would likely argue that the death penalty is not a deterrent to crime. In fact, he might argue that it is actually counterproductive, because it creates a culture of violence.
- He would also likely argue that the death penalty is not necessary to protect society from dangerous criminals. He would believe that there are other ways to keep society safe, such as life in prison.
- Finally, he would likely argue that the death penalty is not a humane punishment. He would believe that it is cruel and unusual punishment, and that it violates the dignity of the human person.