Bennyboy tries to shut down the conversation before it even gets started by siting someone who had an illogical reaction sometime in some other thread at some unspecified time. Check.
Thread is on track.
But seriously, I agree with Exian. Although I personally believe freewill is an illusion, we still have to keep society safe. However, there is no reason to punish just for punishments sake (make him suffer, he made them suffer!), that's not helping anyone, even the victims families. If treatment or rehabilitation is available or possible, that is always the better option. If it is not, then humane prisons are the current existing alternative. The death penalty and other punishments are a remnant of our barbaric past, and should be relegated to that past.
Thread is on track.
But seriously, I agree with Exian. Although I personally believe freewill is an illusion, we still have to keep society safe. However, there is no reason to punish just for punishments sake (make him suffer, he made them suffer!), that's not helping anyone, even the victims families. If treatment or rehabilitation is available or possible, that is always the better option. If it is not, then humane prisons are the current existing alternative. The death penalty and other punishments are a remnant of our barbaric past, and should be relegated to that past.
“Eternity is a terrible thought. I mean, where's it going to end?”
― Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
― Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead