Political Science 3334E Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Baruch Spinoza, Consequentialism, Actus Reus
7 Nov 2020
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The world is such that its current state is completely determined by (1) the law of physics, the law of cause and effect, and therefore by (2) the past states of the world. Free will = illusion of our self-consciousness. Utilitarian theory of punishment: offenders should be punished to discourage or deter future offences (hobbes, bentham) Actions are right if they promote happiness and wrong if it produces the reverse of happiness. Law should be used to maximize happiness in society. An offence is not punished for its own sake, but for the good effects it may have. Punishment is justified by future beneficial effects. Deterrence - the rationale of punishment is entirely to prevent further crime. General deterrence preventing other people from committing criminal acts. Specific deterrence preventing the same person from committing criminal acts. Incapacitation protecting society from the criminal, containment of dangerous individuals: bentham (1748 1832):
