Reading is by Igor Primoratz who supports capital punishment. Those who support capital punishment are called “retentionists” while those who support abolishing capital punishment are called “abolishinists.” Primoratz is most definitely a retentionist.
More specifically, Primoratz endorses retributivism, the theory that criminals should be punished according to what they deserve rather than according to other considerations (such as the consequences of punishing offenders in that way). Retributivists hold that punishment ought to be proportionate to the crime, and Primoratz argues that the only punishment proportionate to murder is the death penalty. Thus, he concludes that the death penalty should be retained where it exists and reinstated where it has been abolished. He then considers five objections to this view: (i) capital punishment violates the offender’s right to life; (ii) killing people as punishment for killing others is contradictory; (iii) capital punishment is not proportionate to murder; (iv) innocent people will inevitably be executed; and (v) capital punishment is applied in a discriminatory fashion. Primoratz responds to each of these objections, arguing that none succeed in undermining the morality of capital punishment.
NB: No videos posted for capital punishment, there is a handout and attached a brief PowerPoint on Primoratz’s main argument.
QUESTION FOR FORUM
Some people think that the death penalty should be abolished because of the way it is applied. Innocent people are sometimes executed, and many have argued that the death penalty is applied in a way that is discriminatory to minorities and the poor. How does Primoratz respond to these objections? Do you find his responses convincing? Why or why not?
Answer the above with a minimum of TWO PARAGRAPHS (1 paragraph = 6-8 complete sentences) by 7pm, Monday, August 16.
Primoratz reading on page 370 in the pdf textbook.
I will attach the powerpoint.
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