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I wouldn't attribute it to fascism, because the concept works in any social group and was used throughout history. Even Mao said something like "Punish one, edu
by bruhvinston 5y ago
I wouldn't attribute it to fascism, because the concept works in any social group and was used throughout history. Even Mao said something like "Punish one, educate millions."
I think the true conflict is about the dignity of the individual. Is it permissible to do a disproportionate amount of harm to one person to bring about consequences that further the goal? I'd say no.
And that also includes bringing less than appropriate punishment.
- thethimble 5y agoI think the whole purpose of punishment is to discourage others from committing the same crime - not to punish an individual for the sake of retribution. If you think about it, retribution is pretty petty. It doesn’t accomplish anything and a civilized society should do away with it. The only reasonable basis for punishment then is the “educate millions” rationale above. To the extent that it is effective in establishing rails for a stable society, I think it’s morally acceptable to do so. You accurately summarized the crux of the argument: it’s all about your views on the dignity of the individual.
- Serenacula 5y agoIf it actually worked, then maybe this would make sense, (though I believe the negative social effects of that approach FAR outweigh the dubious positive). But in a case like this, where it was precisely a LACK of thought that marked it as a crime, it honestly seems absurd to me. It's like prosecuting someone for tripping over their shoelaces in a supermarket.