Death Penalty: Justifications and Theories
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Questions and Answers

What is the central idea of retribution theory in the context of the death penalty?

  • The death penalty deters future crimes.
  • Executing offenders is a way to reduce prison overcrowding.
  • Punishment must be proportional to the crime. (correct)
  • Death is seen as a more humane punishment.

Which argument supports the use of the death penalty based on societal consequences?

  • Punishment should be public to enhance its effects.
  • Life sentences are too lenient for serious crimes.
  • Death is feared more than incarceration. (correct)
  • Murderers are often unrepentant.

What is a common objection to the retribution theory regarding fitting punishment?

  • It dismisses the need for societal rehabilitation.
  • It often considers the criminal's perspective too much.
  • It may lead to excessive leniency for criminals.
  • The concept of 'fit' can be subjective and harmful. (correct)

According to deterrence theory, what is assumed about the nature of punishment?

<p>Punishments should always be severe to be feared. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which underlying assumption of the commonsense argument in deterrence theory is criticized?

<p>That expected severe punishments effectively deter crime. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key flaw in the reasoning for the death penalty as a deterrent?

<p>The actual risk of execution is perceived as low. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument in favor of immigration discussed?

<p>Immigration contributes to economic growth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception regarding the necessity of the death penalty?

<p>It eliminates the chances of repeat offenders. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'supererogatory' refer to in moral philosophy?

<p>Acts that are morally good but not obligatory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary argument against obligatory aid based on Hardin’s view?

<p>Aid may lead to overpopulation in recipient countries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which argument suggests that the solving of world hunger is impossible?

<p>Hardin’s Argument (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Resource Argument frame the debate on sending aid?

<p>Sending aid depletes resources necessary for domestic emergencies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common rebuttal to Hardin's Argument regarding aid?

<p>Some forms of aid can help improve communities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key counterargument to the America's First Argument?

<p>Helping other nations can lead to stronger alliances (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which objection challenges the claim that solving world hunger is impossible?

<p>The notion that solutions may exist through increased aid and development (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the objection to the Resource Argument assert?

<p>The amount of aid given is too insignificant to impact local resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary conclusion of Singer's Argument regarding death by starvation?

<p>We ought to prevent death by starvation by sacrificing luxuries. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which objection challenges the premise that sacrificing something of lesser value is necessary to save something of greater moral value?

<p>You do not need to sacrifice your pet to save a stranger. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arguments supports the notion that humans eating animals is permissible?

<p>Eating animals contributes positively to the environment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Nutritional Argument claim about humans eating animals?

<p>Humans require animal products for survival. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the reasons given in the Nutrition Argument for why eating animals is acceptable?

<p>Human anatomy is not suited for a vegetarian diet. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Eat Each Other Argument?

<p>An act permissible among animals can be deemed acceptable for humans. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is a common objection to the Eating Animals Argument?

<p>Eating animals is not necessary for proper nutrition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the Food Chain Argument as it relates to human consumption of animals?

<p>Eating animals is a natural and necessary part of the food chain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary objection to the Eat Us argument regarding animal consumption?

<p>Not all animals eat humans, making them permissible to consume. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cloning focuses on creating complete organisms?

<p>Reproductive cloning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which argument suggests raising animals for food is generally wrong?

<p>Unnecessary Argument (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence noted against the environment from eating animals?

<p>Increase in greenhouse gas emissions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legal status do reproductive cloning practices generally have?

<p>Legal for animals but illegal for humans in many countries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental concern does the Unique Identity Argument raise regarding cloning?

<p>Cloning undermines the concept of individuality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which argument points out that more food could be made available if land used for livestock was converted to human food production?

<p>Necessary Argument (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism known as?

<p>Cloning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main claim of the Reproductive Freedom Argument regarding cloning?

<p>Cloning is another method of reproduction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Defect Argument primarily concern about cloning?

<p>Cloning may result in a higher rate of genetic defects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which argument suggests that the absence of consent in cloning could be morally problematic?

<p>No Consent Argument (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant objection to the Super Army Argument?

<p>Some technologies can serve multiple positive purposes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of genetic engineering mentioned?

<p>Genetic Mutation Engineering (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is genetic engineering typically conducted?

<p>By fertilizing embryos and screening for traits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes therapeutic genetics from genetic enhancement?

<p>Therapeutic genetics replaces abnormal genes with normal ones, while genetic enhancement aims for superior traits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential ethical concern regarding cloning identified in the arguments?

<p>Cloning may lead to individuals being created without consent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern addressed by the discrimination argument against therapeutic genetics?

<p>It discriminates against the disabled by choosing against them. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the stopping evolution argument, what is the primary objection to therapeutic genetics?

<p>It could eliminate unknown mutations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the objections to the devaluation argument against genetic enhancement?

<p>Choosing desirable traits for a child is not objectification. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the preventing argument justify regarding therapeutic genetics?

<p>It can prevent disabilities and diseases without violating rights. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concern is raised in the diversity argument against genetic enhancement?

<p>It might reduce human diversity, leading to uniformity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of therapeutic genetics that advocates claim is a benefit?

<p>It allows for corrections of disease-linked genes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What objection exists related to the stopping evolution argument against therapeutic genetics?

<p>Therapeutic genetics can sometimes enhance evolution by correcting defects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a misconception regarding genetic enhancement?

<p>All parents will choose to enhance their children identically. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Capital Punishment

The deliberate execution of individuals for criminal offenses.

Retribution Theory

The idea that punishment should fit the crime, and criminals deserve punishment of equal severity.

Deterrence Theory

The belief that the death penalty discourages future crimes due to its fearsome nature.

Punishment Fit

The concept of punishment matching the severity of the crime.

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Objection to Retribution Theory

Concerns that the death penalty might be too severe or not fit the crimes compared to other penalties

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Deterrence Theory Objection

The argument that severe punishments may not be effective deterrents because people often underestimate low risk events.

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Fitting Punishment

Punishment perceived as logically appropriate or equitable, to the criminal act

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Death Penalty

A punishment for crimes considered serious, where the sentence involves execution.

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Obligatory Aid

Morally required aid, neglecting it is considered morally wrong.

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Supererogatory Aid

Morally commendable but not required; going above and beyond duty.

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America First Argument

Prioritizes solving domestic problems before aiding other nations, focusing on domestic crisis and issues over global problems.

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Resource Argument

Aid depletes resources needed in domestic crisis, delaying resolution of an existing crisis.

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Hardin's Argument (Lifeboat)

Sending aid worsens the situation of recipients by increasing population and further necessitating aid.

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Impossible Argument

Solving global hunger is impossible; thus, no aid should be given.

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Objection to Impossible Argument

Despite global hunger being a difficult problem, it is not impossible, aid and support efforts can help.

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Objection to Resource Argument

The amount of aid given is not significant enough to cause a real resources shortage, like giving a dollar to a beggar

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Singer's Argument for Obligatory Aid

Argues that if we can prevent something bad (like starvation) without sacrificing something of comparable moral value, we must do so. This implies that helping those in extreme need is morally required.

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Comparable Moral Value

In the context of Singer's argument, the principle of weighing the value of actions to decide if the good outweighs the harm involved.

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Eat Each Other Argument (Animal Rights)

Justification for eating animals based on the observation that animals eat each other. Suggests that whatever animals do is permissible for humans.

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Eat Us Argument (Animal Rights)

Justification for eating animals, arguing that if animals eat us, then it is permissible for us to eat them.

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Nutrition Argument (Animal Rights)

Justification for eating animals based on the claim that it is crucial for human nutrition. Asserts that whatever is necessary for nutrition is ethically acceptable.

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Objection to Nutrition Argument

Eating animals is not needed for good nutrition in humans, directly contradicting the argument for its permissibility.

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Food Chain Argument (Animal Rights)

Animal consumption is viewed as a natural part of the food chain, implying its moral permissibility based on nature.

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Objection to Singer's Comparable Value Premise

A counterpoint to Singer's argument, claiming that sometimes sacrifices may not be necessary to prevent harm, emphasizing our individual moral responsibility.

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Natural Limits Argument

Therapeutic genetics violates natural limits set by nature, making it immoral.

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Discrimination Argument

Therapeutic genetics unfairly discriminates against the disabled by choosing against them.

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Stopping Evolution Argument

Therapeutic genetics eliminates unknown beneficial mutations, potentially halting evolution.

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Preventing Argument

Therapeutic genetics prevents disabilities and diseases without violating rights, making it permissible.

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Devaluation Argument

Genetic enhancements treat children as objects by judging them based on their traits.

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Diversity Argument

Enhancements could reduce genetic diversity by making everyone similar.

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Cloning Definition

Creating a genetically identical copy of an organism or cell.

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Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

Transferring a body cell's nucleus into an egg cell to clone.

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Therapeutic Cloning Goal

Making biological materials (stem cells) for medical use.

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Reproductive Cloning Goal

Creating an entire new organism as a copy.

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Unnecessary Argument (Eating Animals)

Raising and killing animals for food is wrong because humans don't need them for food.

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Unique Identity Argument (Cloning)

Cloning violates the right to a unique identity, as clones are copies.

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Objection to Eating Animals (Environment)

Eating animals is bad for the environment due to land use and pollution.

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Objection to Eating Animals (Non-necessary)

Eating animals is not necessary for human survival, as humans have alternatives.

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Cloning Argument: Unique Identity

The argument that cloning is wrong because it violates the right to a unique genetic identity, as seen with identical twins who are genetically identical but distinct individuals.

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Cloning Argument: Genetic Defects

The argument that cloning is wrong because it may result in a higher rate of genetic defects, potentially leading to health issues for the cloned individual.

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Cloning Argument: Super Army

The argument that cloning is wrong because it could be used to create a 'super army' by selecting the best soldiers, raising concerns about potential misuse.

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Cloning Argument: No Consent

The argument that cloning is wrong because it could result in individuals being cloned without their consent, raising concerns about autonomy and bodily rights.

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Reproductive Freedom Argument for Cloning

The argument that cloning is justified because it is a form of reproductive freedom, similar to choosing a mate, family size, or using fertility treatments.

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Genetic Engineering

The direct manipulation of genes to alter heritable traits.

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Therapeutic Genetics

A type of genetic engineering that aims to replace genes associated with abnormal traits with normal genes, potentially treating genetic disorders.

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Genetic Enhancement

A type of genetic engineering that aims to replace genes for normal traits with genes that provide enhanced or superior traits, raising ethical concerns about creating 'designer babies'.

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Study Notes

Death Penalty (Capital Punishment)

  • Capital punishment is the practice of deliberately executing individuals in response to criminal conduct.
  • A central question is whether a state's deliberate killing of offenders is a morally justified response to criminal conduct.

Arguments Justifying the Death Penalty

1. Retribution Theory

  • This theory justifies the death penalty based on principles of justice.
  • Criminals deserve punishment.
  • Punishment must fit the crime.
  • There are problems with fitting punishment, such as lenient punishments for serious crimes (e.g., one month in jail for rape) or excessively harsh punishments for petty crimes (e.g., death for petty theft).
  • The argument in favor of the death penalty is that only the death penalty is considered a fitting punishment for murder, as murderers deserve the death penalty.

2. Deterrence Theory

  • This theory justifies the death penalty based on its long-term consequences for society.
  • The death penalty has better consequences for society than not having it.
  • Policies should aim for the best consequences for society.
  • A common-sense argument is that things that are more feared deter people more (i.e., death is feared more than prison, so death deters more than prison).

Objections

1. Objections to Retribution Theory

  • Punishment Fit: The concept of a "fit" punishment needs clarification (e.g., whether it means causing the same harm as the crime).

2. Objections to Deterrence Theory

  • Flaw in the Commonsense Argument: The logic that assumes harsher penalties (like lethal injection) will deter more crime is flawed, as unlikely threats (like the risk of death while driving) don't deter behavior.

Immigration

  • Definition: Immigration is the act of permanently moving to a foreign country.

Debate on Immigration: Should We Restrict Immigration?

Arguments in Favor of Immigration

  • Economic Argument: Immigration contributes to economic growth, and immigrants contribute to societal prosperity.
  • Freedom of Movement: People have a human right to freedom of movement and the right to immigrate.
  • Nation of Immigrants: America is a nation of immigrants.

Arguments Against Immigration

  • Welfare Argument: Stricter immigration controls would protect a country's welfare systems by reducing strain on resources.
  • Cultural Preservation Argument: Preserving a nation's culture is important, and immigration restrictions help uphold national cultural integrity.
  • Brain Drain Argument: Immigration can result in a "brain drain" from poorer countries as skilled workers emigrate to wealthier countries.

World Hunger: Is it Morally Obligatory to Send Aid to Starving Nations?

  • Definitions -Obligatory: Morally obligatory; failing to fulfill a moral responsibility is morally wrong. -Supererogatory: Morally good but not obligatory; an act beyond duty (e.g., giving to charity).

Arguments Against Aid

  • America First Argument: America should prioritize its own problems (e.g. solving starvation in America) before intervening in other countries' struggles.
  • Resource Argument: Providing aid to other nations would exhaust resources needed for critical emergencies within America.
  • Hardin's Argument (the "Lifeboat" Argument): Providing aid might worsen the situation.
  • Impossible Argument: Solving world hunger is too difficult.

Objections to Arguments Against Aid

  • Objection to the 'Impossible Argument': Solving world hunger may be possible with increased aid and support to developing nations.
  • Objection to Hardin's Argument: Some forms of aid might aid rather than harm the situation
  • Objection to the 'Resource Argument': Providing small aid to those in need will not significantly impact the wealth of a developed country.
  • Objection to the 'America First Argument': This argument prioritizes American issues while ignoring a secondary obligation to help other countries.

Animal Rights

  • Is eating animals morally permissible?

Arguments for Eating Animals

  • Eat Each Other: Animals eat other animals, therefore, humans can do the same.
  • Eat Us: Animals eat humans, so humans can eat animals in return.
  • Nutrition: Eating animals is necessary for proper nourishment.
  • Food Chain: Humans eating animals is a natural part of the food chain.
  • Environment: Eating animals can be good for the environment.

Arguments Against Eating Animals

  • Unnecessary: Causing unnecessary suffering and death is wrong; animal agriculture often involves suffering.

Cloning

  • Definition: Cloning is the process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism.

How Cloning is Done

  • Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT): Transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an egg cell to create a clone.

Types of Cloning

  • Therapeutic Cloning: Producing biological material (like stem cells) for medical purposes.
  • Reproductive Cloning: Creating a whole organism as a copy.

Is Human Reproductive Cloning Wrong?

Arguments Against Cloning

  • Unique Identity: Cloning violates the right to a unique identity; the clone is a copy of the original, so there will only be one original.
  • Defect: Cloning may result in genetic defects (higher rate than natural reproduction).
  • Super Army: Cloning could be used to create a superior military force.
  • No Consent: Cloning without consent is wrong.

Arguments For Cloning

  • Reproductive Freedom: Cloning is part of reproductive freedom.

Genetic Engineering

  • Definition: Altering heritable traits via manipulating genes.

Is Therapeutic Genetics Morally Wrong?

Arguments Against Therapeutic Genetics

  • Natural Limits: Modifying genetics is against natural limits.
  • Discrimination: Therapeutic genetics could discriminate against those with disabilities.
  • Stopping Evolution: Stopping evolution could be wrong.

Arguments For Therapeutic Genetics

  • Preventing: Preventing disabilities and diseases is a legitimate use of genetics.

Is Genetic Enhancement Morally Wrong?

Arguments Against Genetic Enhancement

  • Devaluation: Treating humans as objects by evaluating them based on traits (like genetics) is wrong.
  • Diversity: Genetic enhancements could decrease human diversity.

Arguments For Genetic Enhancement

  • Enhancement: Genetic enhancements benefit a child's future without violating their rights and rights to opportunities (immigration for a better life).

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Explore the complex topic of capital punishment, delving into the key arguments justifying its use, such as retribution and deterrence theories. This quiz offers insights into the moral implications and societal impacts of the death penalty as a form of punishment.

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