The Philosophy of Punishment

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

Abstract

We usually regard it as wrong to assault someone physically or to deprive someone of liberty or property. But if this is the case, then why is it morally acceptable (or even required) for the state to impose punishments on citizens who have broken the law? The purpose of this chapter is to give an introduction to the philosophy of punishment as an academic field, to provide an overview of the various topics which are considered in the ensuing chapter of this handbook, and to present a few reasons that have motivated this work.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of the Philosophy of Punishment
EditorsJesper Ryberg
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP)
Publication date2025
Pages1-12
ISBN (Print)9780197750506
ISBN (Electronic)9780197750537
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025
SeriesOxford Handbooks

Keywords

  • Ethics
  • justification
  • philosophy
  • reasons
  • state punishment

Cite this