* Absolute Rules vs. Human Dignity
wedge Kant says:
* Only act in ways that you would find acceptable as universal moral laws.
wedge You want to treat people as if they are to be done /for/, not /with/. In other words, don't use people. They are an end, not a means only. What does this mean?
* Generally, we need to take into account other people. We need to try to promote their welfare, respect their rights, avoid harming them, and try to promote their interests.
* We also need to respect their rationality. Most of the time, we interact with people in manipulative ways.
wedge Why are people so important?
* People have desires and goals.
* We are rational; we can reason. (Without rational beings, questions of morality disappear.)
wedge Justifications for punishment (Utilitarian)
* Deterrent
* Rehabilitation
wedge Kant's Justifications
* Retributive - because they've broken the law
* Equal in measure to the crime
wedge Two reasons for punishment:
* Justice (eye for an eye)
* Respect criminal as a person when we punish instead of trying to change.
* As a rational person, I tell you how to treat me by my own actions.
wedge If I don't treat you as a rational person
* I'm treating you as an incompetent.