7. Consider the following argument for the death penalty: 1. Punishment is appro

Question

7. Consider the following argument for the death penalty: 1. Punishment is appropriate when it serves as a deterrent to crime. 2. The death penalty serves as a deterrent to homicide. 3. Therefore, the death penalty is an appropriate penalty for homicide. In several sentences, select the moral theory discussed in this course that would accept the above argument the most. Be sure to explain in detail the moral theory as well as the reason why it would accept the argument the most. Which moral theory would reject the argument the strongest? Be sure to explain in detail the moral theory as well as the reason why it would reject the argument.

Explanation / Answer

The moral theory that would accept the above argument is the Utilitarian theory according to which the best action is the one is going to maximize utility. Hence punishment, in this case, is going to maximize the utility as countless innocent will be saved.

The moral theory that would reject the argument the most is the Kantian ethics according to which the means should be morally sound to achieve the end. We should under no circumstance transgress the categorical imperatives.   

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