Kant starts Metaphysics of Morals with the definition of crime and the right to punish those who commit crimes against society. In his opinion neither a society, nor a state can exist without laws. If there are no laws, there is no society and no state, but only anarchy. Therefore enforcement of the law, which is the core of a society's foundation, means the protection of the society and the state. Any person violating a law loses their right to be a member of society. So if said person opposes social order, they consequently must be deemed guilty and punished. The right to punish a person is only the right of a ruler and it is only his right to make violators and criminals suffer. It is impossible to punish the ruler himself since he
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He believes that it brings more suffering to be incarcerated for life, then to be killed. Utilitarianism is defined as actions that are right due to being in the majority of people's best interests. The death of Matthew Poncelet was not in the majority of people’s interests, but only to the families affected by his action. It was in the majority's interest that Poncelet did receive a punishment that would keep him from hurting someone else but at the same time, prevent his death from hurting anyone. The solution to this is life in prison which is a severe punishment that will help with the common ends. Mill’s utilitarian standard says that if the person being punished shows no change or remorse then they shouldn’t be released. Matthew Poncelet did show changes and did express remorse about his actions so, Poncelet's punishment should have been …show more content…
Kant’s belief of absolute justice is seen as better from the perspective of someone who has been hurt by another’s crime. John Mill’s belief of justice serves the purpose of granting universal content so their is a common end in which everyone is satisfied with. Sister Helen realized that the best way to make everyone happy was for communal end which involved Poncelet living with the realization of his actions and repenting for them. John Mill’s utilitarian standard is much more humane and thought out then Kant’s brutish form of punishment. Sensible people who are not fueled by revenge are able to find better solutions through common ends and that is what Sister Helen attempted to do with the Poncelet
He believes that it brings more suffering to be incarcerated for life, then to be killed. Utilitarianism is defined as actions that are right due to being in the majority of people's best interests. The death of Matthew Poncelet was not in the majority of people’s interests, but only to the families affected by his action. It was in the majority's interest that Poncelet did receive a punishment that would keep him from hurting someone else but at the same time, prevent his death from hurting anyone. The solution to this is life in prison which is a severe punishment that will help with the common ends. Mill’s utilitarian standard says that if the person being punished shows no change or remorse then they shouldn’t be released. Matthew Poncelet did show changes and did express remorse about his actions so, Poncelet's punishment should have been …show more content…
Kant’s belief of absolute justice is seen as better from the perspective of someone who has been hurt by another’s crime. John Mill’s belief of justice serves the purpose of granting universal content so their is a common end in which everyone is satisfied with. Sister Helen realized that the best way to make everyone happy was for communal end which involved Poncelet living with the realization of his actions and repenting for them. John Mill’s utilitarian standard is much more humane and thought out then Kant’s brutish form of punishment. Sensible people who are not fueled by revenge are able to find better solutions through common ends and that is what Sister Helen attempted to do with the Poncelet