Philosophical Justifications for Capital Punishment

The chapter explores various philosophical arguments for the legitimacy of capital punishment, focusing on principles such as proportionality, dessert, and retributive justice. It delves into how figures like Thomas Aquinas justify the death penalty based on maintaining societal order, deterrence, and the opportunity for repentance. The chapter also discusses the natural law perspective on capital punishment, drawing parallels between ancient justifications and the contemporary shift in public attitudes towards the death penalty.