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A scientist attempting to find a cure for cancer accidentally mixes up some chemicals and causes a huge explosion which results in 1000 deaths. Alternately, a
by jeremyt 10y ago
A scientist attempting to find a cure for cancer accidentally mixes up some chemicals and causes a huge explosion which results in 1000 deaths. Alternately, a terrorist sets off a bomb in a public place killing 1000 people.
Should they each be charged with the same crime and receive the same punishment?
- thesimpsons1022 10y agoI don't think that is the best example. It can be as simple as someone intentionally running over a cat versus backing out and not noticing it.
- Jtsummers 10y agoYour scientist had no intent on killing anyone. Drone strikes are intended to kill. It's an unapt comparison for a discussion about two groups deliberately killing people. One classified as "terrorism" and the other classified as "war as usual/collateral damage" when they kill innocent people.
- jeremyt 10y agoI was responding to a comment stating "I don't see why intention matters"
- cam_l 10y agoNot if you assume punishment is the appropriate response to a crime. But if you think a mixture of public safety, admonishment, and rehabilitation is the better response, then yes probably.