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The idea that we have to respect other people\'s choices is what led Kant to say

ID: 3471135 • Letter: T

Question

The idea that we have to respect other people's choices is what led Kant to say that we should not attempt to rehabilitate criminals as utilitarians suggest. He said that we must punish them. That punishment must be only for the guilty and in proportion to the crime committed. This led Kant to a pro capital punishment position.

1. What do you see in Kant's position that is correct or incorrect?

2. If you support capital punishment, how do you justify your position? In other words, what arguments can you give to support the use of capital punishment in some cases?

3. If you do not support capital punishment, how do you justify your position? In other words, what arguments can you give to support the idea that capital punishment should be abolished?

Explanation / Answer

1. Kant, in simplified terms, has put into prospect and accurate proposition of correlating the intensity of the crime with an appropriate punishment, which I believe, to be a fair verdict as opposed to having a plain of punishment for every individual regardless of their crime intensity.

2. According to the categorical imperative, propounded by none other than Kant, he was of the opinion that the actions of an individual should not be a mere Justification of the mean, but should be a Justification of the end as well. The motive behind the crime is the crux of the conviction. Hence, capital punishment, for thes severity of a crime should be applicable.

3. Capital punishment should be abolished for the mere motive of an individual cannot be the precursor of ones actions. Because there is an absence of egoism.