4 ms·

I wonder if there can be a difference in intention between "punishment" and "consequences." I personally hear punishment and think of an intention to harm, whe

I wonder if there can be a difference in intention between "punishment" and "consequences." I personally hear punishment and think of an intention to harm, whereas hear consequences as lacking that intention, more of an intention to inform. For example, say that if someone runs a red light, they will receive a bill for $500. Am I giving them the bill because I believe they are a bad person and deserve to be punished? Or as a way to let them know that these are the rules and the consequences of the rules? I'm ok with the latter and can feel very sad at the former, as I think it just perpetuates pain and increases distance in society.

at_a_remove 4y ago
Inform? Do you really believe that they are uninformed, that they are unaware of the rules and that there are consequences for breaking said rules. People are not informed by speeding tickets. There is no element of surprise there. They knew the rules, they broke them anyway. Same with theft and so on. I could understand it for some obscure tax law, but basic things like this, no. Maybe you reached for the wrong verb there, but they are not ignorant of the rules.
- jimkleiber 4y ago
  Maybe another verb would convey it better, I don't know. I do believe in letting people make choices as long as they know the consequences. I think most of us are vastly uninformed of all the consequences of such things. Sure, I know if I go over 45 I will get a speeding ticket. How much will it cost? How many points will I accumulate on the driver's license? How ashamed (or terrified) will I feel when the cop pulls me over? How ashamed will I feel when I tell someone I'm late because I got a ticket? How will it affect my insurance rates? Will I lose my license? How will my passenger feel, if there is one? I think there are many more consequences than just the first-order ones and I do believe most of us are uninformed or ignorant of the full scope.

at_a_remove 4y ago

Inform? Do you really believe that they are uninformed, that they are unaware of the rules and that there are consequences for breaking said rules. People are not informed by speeding tickets. There is no element of surprise there. They knew the rules, they broke them anyway. Same with theft and so on. I could understand it for some obscure tax law, but basic things like this, no. Maybe you reached for the wrong verb there, but they are not ignorant of the rules.

jimkleiber 4y ago
Maybe another verb would convey it better, I don't know. I do believe in letting people make choices as long as they know the consequences. I think most of us are vastly uninformed of all the consequences of such things. Sure, I know if I go over 45 I will get a speeding ticket. How much will it cost? How many points will I accumulate on the driver's license? How ashamed (or terrified) will I feel when the cop pulls me over? How ashamed will I feel when I tell someone I'm late because I got a ticket? How will it affect my insurance rates? Will I lose my license? How will my passenger feel, if there is one? I think there are many more consequences than just the first-order ones and I do believe most of us are uninformed or ignorant of the full scope.