Theories of Punishment and Just War Theory

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to theories of punishment, just war theory, and the political-economic frameworks of capitalism and socialism.

Punishment

Treating someone in a way they don't want to be treated, harming them, or doing something against their interests in response to undesired behavior.

Forward-Looking Theories

Theories that justify punishment by its future benefits, such as deterrence and rehabilitation.

Deterrence

A forward-looking theory aimed at discouraging undesired behavior by imposing consequences.

Rehabilitation

A forward-looking approach that aims to reduce future criminal behavior by reforming offenders through education, therapy, job training, and better living conditions.

Backward-Looking Theories

Theories that justify punishment based on past acts and the crime itself, including retribution and restoration.

Retribution

A backward-looking justification for punishment that holds individuals accountable for their crimes because they deserve to be punished.

Restoration

A backward-looking approach that focuses on restoring victims to their pre-crime state as a goal of punishment.

Just War Theory

An attempt to provide an account of when a war is just, emphasizing that only duly constituted public authorities can declare war.

Jus Ad Bellum

The principles concerning justice in the initiation of war, including Just Cause, Right Intention, Last Resort, Proportionality, Probability of Success, and Proper Authority.

Jus In Bello

The principles concerning justice in the conduct of war, which include Discrimination, Necessity, Proportionality, and weapons considered mala in se.

Contingent Pacifism

The belief that war may be justifiable in principle, but rarely is actually justified in practice.

Restorative Justice

A philosophy that holds victims of wrongdoing are entitled to some form of repair for past injustices, including reparations.

Unjust Enrichment

The legal principle that requires someone who has received stolen goods to return them, applicable in discussions about reparations.

Capitalism

An economic system in which most or all capital goods are privately owned and controlled, emphasizing private property and market mechanisms.

Socialism

An economic system in which most or all capital goods are socially owned and controlled, aiming to distribute wealth more evenly across society.

Arguments for Capitalism

Promotes innovation, choice, freedom, and considers property ownership as a form of liberty.

Arguments for Socialism

Promotes fairness and aims to erode inequality.