Reference no: EM133484570
Question
From the Van Den Haag reading:
1. What is retribution, and what is a retributivist theory of punishment? There is a short video on this in the Overview or you can Google it, but just put the answers in your own words.
2. How does Van Den Haag (VDH) respond to the argument that capital punishment is morally wrong because it is applied in a discriminatory manner?
3. According to VDH, what is the most important value, equality or justice, and why?
4. How does VDH respond to the objection that sometimes innocent people are executed?
5. Does VDH think that capital punishment is an effective deterrent? Does it seem to matter to him? Briefly explain.)
6. How does VDH respond to the argument that capital punishment legitimates killing?
7. How does VDH respond to the argument that capital punishment is degrading to human dignity?
8. Retributivist theories, like VDH's, are almost always considered Deontological. What moral theory do you think VDH is arguing against most vocally with regard to capital punishment -- Utilitarianism, Divine Command, or Social Contract? Briefly justify.