Utilitarians like Richard Brandt argue that punishing offenders is morally justified if it serves to bring about the greatest amount of good, for instance by acting as a deterrent, helping to rehabilitate criminals, and protecting society from dangerous criminals.
How might a fellow utilitarian object to this view?

Question

Utilitarians like Richard Brandt argue that punishing offenders is morally justified if it serves to bring about the greatest amount of good, for instance by acting as a deterrent, helping to rehabilitate criminals, and protecting society from dangerous criminals.

How might a fellow utilitarian object to this view?

Answer

It is inhumane to punish people. Criminality is an illness, and criminals deserve to be treated with respect.

Answer

Utilitarianism would justify punishing innocent people if doing so brings about the greatest amount of good, and this is obviously wrong.

Answer

Some criminals cannot be rehabilitated, so they should be imprisoned for life.

Answer

Even the best penal system ends up producing more harm than good.

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Utilitarians like Richard Brandt argue that punishing offenders is morally justi...

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