In This Selection Bedau First Draws an Analogy Between Self-Defense

question 15

True/False

In this selection Bedau first draws an analogy between self-defense and the death penalty. Just as in defending ourselves we are to use no more force than is necessary to prevent harm, so in punishing criminals we are to use no more violence than is necessary to adequately punish the criminal. Bedau then argues that neither the deterrence nor the retributive argument for capital punishment is a good argument. He thinks that the literal application of the lex talionis is barbaric and that long-term imprisonment is adequate punishment.
-Bedau believes that it is never rational to risk the death of another to prevent death or grave injury to oneself or to others.

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Definitions:

Punishment

In behavior psychology, a consequence that reduces the likelihood of a behavior being repeated by applying an undesirable outcome or removing a desirable one after the undesired behavior.

Yelling

The act of shouting or raising one's voice in a loud manner, often to convey a message or express an emotion.

Aversive Stimulus

A stimulus that is unpleasant and causes a decrease in the likelihood of a behavior when presented.

Responding

The act of offering a response or reaction to a given stimulus or situation.