1. Kantian (deontological) ethics justifies criminal punishment on which of the following grounds?
A. Retribution
B. Rehabilitation
C. Deterrence
D. Incapacitation
is it A
2. For Kant, the focus of the moral life is:
A. pursuing freedom.
B. doing one’s duty.
C. attaining happiness.
D. achieving intellectual pleasures.
is it B
I agree with your answers.
To confirm the correct answers:
1. Kantian ethics justifies criminal punishment primarily on the grounds of retribution.
To arrive at this answer, we can look at Kant's ethical framework, which is based on the principle of the categorical imperative. According to Kant, individuals have an inherent worth and should be treated with dignity, and it is our moral duty to respect them as ends in themselves. When someone commits a crime, they violate the rights and dignity of others. In order to restore justice and uphold the value of individual autonomy, Kant argues that punishment should be administered as retribution for the wrongdoing.
While the other options may have some role in criminal punishment, they are not the primary grounds justifiable under Kantian ethics:
- Rehabilitation focuses on the aim of transforming and reintegrating offenders into society. Kant's framework, however, is more concerned with upholding moral principles and individual autonomy. Rehabilitative efforts may be seen as an instrument for respecting the dignity of individuals, but this is not the primary focus for Kant.
- Deterrence aims to prevent future crimes by using punishment as a deterrent. While deterrence may be considered a secondary consequence of punishment in Kant's ethics, it does not form the primary grounds for justifying punishment.
- Incapacitation refers to the act of physically restraining or removing individuals from society to prevent them from committing further crimes. Although incapacitation may have practical implications for society, it is not the primary justification for punishment according to Kantian ethics.
Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is A. Retribution.
2. You are correct. For Kant, the focus of the moral life is doing one's duty (option B).
Kant argues that moral actions should be guided by principles of categorical imperatives, which are universal and binding regardless of personal desires or consequences. Following duties and moral principles, according to Kant, is the basis of moral worth and the foundation for living a moral life. Pursuing freedom (option A), attaining happiness (option C), or achieving intellectual pleasures (option D) are not the primary focus for Kantian ethics. While these may have value in different contexts, Kant's moral philosophy places a central emphasis on fulfilling moral duties and obligations.