Capital Punishment: Utilitarianism
This form of ethics was founded by Jeremy Bentham and 'utilitarianism' comes from 'utility', meaning usefulness. Utilitarianism states that the result of an Act is the real measure of whether it is good or bad. This theory emphasizes end over means, therefore it is a teleological or consequentialist ethical theory. Utilitarianism is based on the principle of utility: act in that way which aims at the greatest food for the greatest number.
Hedonic calculus: a way of calculating which action would maximise pleasure and minimise pain
A utilitarian view on capital punishment
It first it may seem obvious that a utilitarian would oppose the death penalty since it would result in extreme pain for the criminal. However, this pain is justified if this suffering is outweighed by the positive consequences. Capital punishment can help reduce the crime rate because it acts as a deterrents to future criminals. When criminals receive the death penalty, this means they cannot commit further crimes which benefits the safety of society. The victim's families would also gain consolation and the death penalty enforced on the murderer would give them closure. To conclude, a utilitarian would agree with capital punishment if this was the most beneficial way to make society a happier place for the majority.
Hedonic calculus: a way of calculating which action would maximise pleasure and minimise pain
- intensity: amount of pleasure and pain generated
- certainty: how likely an action will result in pleasure and pain
- duration: how long pleasure and pain will last
- extent: how far reaching are the effects of actions
- remoteness: likelihood of future pleasure or pain
- richness: intensity of future pleasure and pain
- purity: the balance of pleasure and pain
A utilitarian view on capital punishment
It first it may seem obvious that a utilitarian would oppose the death penalty since it would result in extreme pain for the criminal. However, this pain is justified if this suffering is outweighed by the positive consequences. Capital punishment can help reduce the crime rate because it acts as a deterrents to future criminals. When criminals receive the death penalty, this means they cannot commit further crimes which benefits the safety of society. The victim's families would also gain consolation and the death penalty enforced on the murderer would give them closure. To conclude, a utilitarian would agree with capital punishment if this was the most beneficial way to make society a happier place for the majority.