Philosophical Foundations of Punishment

The philosophical foundations of punishment revolve around the reasons we punish wrongdoers. Key theories include retribution, which argues that offenders deserve to be punished; deterrence, which aims to prevent future crimes; rehabilitation, focusing on reforming the offender; and restorative justice, emphasizing repairing harm and restoring relationships. Each perspective highlights different values—justice, safety, and moral development—shaping how societies decide to respond to crime. Understanding these foundations helps us critically discuss the effectiveness and fairness of various punishment methods in legal and social contexts.