Why was the guillotine the "humane" way to execute criminals?
The guillotine was often considered a "humane" way to execute criminals for several reasons:
1. Quick and painless: The guillotine was designed to deliver a swift and efficient beheading, ensuring that death was instant and relatively painless compared to other methods of execution at the time. The blade fell rapidly, severing the spinal cord and causing immediate unconsciousness and death.
2. Equality in execution: The guillotine symbolized the principle of equality before the law. It was designed to execute all individuals, regardless of their social status, in the same manner. This was seen as a departure from previous methods like hanging or mutilation, which were often influenced by the offender's social standing.
3. Public safety and deterrence: The guillotine's quick and efficient method of execution aimed to provide public safety, ensuring that the condemned could not escape or cause further harm. Additionally, the visible and relatively painless nature of the execution was believed to serve as a deterrent to potential criminals.
It is important to note that the notion of the guillotine as a "humane" method of execution is subjective and can vary based on individual perspectives and ethical considerations.