A conflict broke out between the state of Utopia’s military forces and rebels on Utopian territory. Lawrence Mpofu was instructed to go to Silica. When the civilians arrived, they were taken to a nearby field where they were lined up with their backs to the assembled 7th Military Unit’s firing squad. The members of the 7th Military Unit, including Lawrence Mpofu, who composed the firing squad, then killed the men and boys. Witnesses estimated that Lawrence personally killed about 40 people. In the testimony of another member of the 7th Military Unit who participated in the killings that day it was only when they arrived at Silica that they were informed of the work required of them. Witness Smith noted that Lawrence immediately refused to do this task but was threatened by the commander in charge of the operation with instant death. Witness Smith was convinced that Lawrence believed that he would have been killed or that his wife or child would have been directly threatened if he failed to comply with the instruction. Witness Smith noted that despite all of this, he saw how Lawrence Mpofu still attempted to spare a man. Witness Smith testified further that Lawrence Mpofu then opposed the order of another commander to participate in the execution of 100 men. After the end of the conflict, murder charges were brought against Lawrence Mpofu and he voluntarily handed himself over to the authorities of Utopia so that the trial could take place. Witness Smith noted that in their private conversations, You are the judge in this case and that you have found Lawrence Mpofu guilty of murder. you are now at the sentencing stage. Discuss different viewpoints and providing a critical explanation how to philosophically justify the sentence you want to impose using the utilitarian theory of punishment.

Question

A conflict broke out between the state of Utopia’s military forces and rebels on Utopian territory. Lawrence Mpofu was instructed to go to Silica. When the civilians arrived, they were taken to a nearby field where they were lined up with their backs to the assembled 7th Military Unit’s firing squad. The members of the 7th Military Unit, including Lawrence Mpofu, who composed the firing squad, then killed the men and boys. Witnesses estimated that Lawrence personally killed about 40 people. In the testimony of another member of the 7th Military Unit who participated in the killings that day it was only when they arrived at Silica that they were informed of the work required of them. Witness Smith noted that Lawrence immediately refused to do this task but was threatened by the commander in charge of the operation with instant death. Witness Smith was convinced that Lawrence believed that he would have been killed or that his wife or child would have been directly threatened if he failed to comply with the instruction. Witness Smith noted that despite all of this, he saw how Lawrence Mpofu still attempted to spare a man. Witness Smith testified further that Lawrence Mpofu then opposed the order of another commander to participate in the execution of 100 men. After the end of the conflict, murder charges were brought against Lawrence Mpofu and he voluntarily handed himself over to the authorities of Utopia so that the trial could take place. Witness Smith noted that in their private conversations, You are the judge in this case and that you have found Lawrence Mpofu guilty of murder. you are now at the sentencing stage. Discuss different viewpoints and providing a critical explanation how to philosophically justify the sentence you want to impose using the utilitarian theory of punishment.

Answer 1

Utilitarianism is a moral theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or pleasure and minimizing overall suffering or pain. In the case of Lawrence Mpofu, the sentencing should be based on the principle of maximizing overall happiness for the society as a whole.

One viewpoint could be that Lawrence Mpofu should receive a lenient sentence based on the fact that he was coerced into committing the murders under threat of death. Witness Smith's testimony highlights Lawrence's reluctance and attempts to spare lives during the execution. Considering his actions in trying to minimize harm, some may argue that he should be given a lesser punishment or a chance at rehabilitation.

On the other hand, some may argue that Lawrence Mpofu should receive a harsh sentence for his role in the killings. While his circumstances may have been difficult, the fact remains that he actively participated in the murder of innocent civilians. The principle of deterrence plays a role here - punishing Lawrence severely may serve as a deterrent to others who might find themselves in similar situations in the future.

Ultimately, using the utilitarian theory of punishment, the goal should be to maximize overall happiness for society. In this case, the severity of the crime and the need for deterrence may outweigh the circumstances that led Lawrence to participate in the murders. Therefore, a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime while also considering potential for rehabilitation would be justified. This could involve a medium to long-term prison sentence with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.