Philosophy 177 - ST:Punishment and Responsibilty Clearfield

Institution:

Whitman College

Subject:

Description:

Nationwide, over two million people are now in prison, including over 2,000 at the Washington State Penitentiary here in Walla Walla, and those numbers continue to grow rapidly. Yet as a society, there is no clear consensus regarding the goal(s) or purpose(s) of sending someone to prison. How can it be right to cause someone suffering What kind of suffering can be justified, and under what circumstances And what is the connection between having done wrong and being made to suffer In this course we will critically examine some of the ultimate philosophical justifications of punishment, such as retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. We will also examine importantly related questions about personal responsibility and the conditions necessary for punishment to be appropriate. Finally, we will consider the relevance and impact of excuses and mitigating factors like age, socioeconomic status, abuse, addiction, and mental illness. Open to first- and second-year students; juniors by consent; not open to seniors. Distribution area: humanities.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.whitman.edu

Phone Number:

(509) 527-5111

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Semester

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