ethics

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Chamberlain University College of Nursing *

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445N

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Philosophy

Date

Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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6

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1 Death Penalty as A Moral Controversy Issue First Name and Last Name Name of School, Name of University Course Code: Course Name Dr. Jane Doe Month Day, Year
2 Death Penalty as A Moral Controversy Issue The issue of the death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is a subject of moral controversy because it touches on key issues such as human rights and dignity, and the irreversible nature of the death penalty is also a concern since the legal system is fallible as such innocent individuals may be wrongly convicted and executed (Rachels & Rachels, 2014). The effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime is also widely debated proponents argue that the severity of capital punishment can deter potential offenders from committing crimes while opponents argue that there is little empirical evidence that shows that capital punishment has a greater deterrent effect than alternative forms of punishment. Those who support the death penalty morally argue that the death penalty serves as a just response to heinous crimes, providing a proportionate punishment that reflects the severity of the offense. Others argue that the expense associated with housing and providing for individuals sentenced to life imprisonment without parole could be better allocated to other areas, such as crime prevention or victim support (Marak & Thanigaivelan, 2022). At the same time, some supporters assert that the death penalty offers a sense of justice and closure to the families and loved ones of victims. Opponents of the death penalty on the other hand argue that every human being possesses inherent dignity and the right to life, regardless of their actions. One of the central moral objections to the death penalty is the fallibility of the justice system. Critics argue that no legal system is infallible, and the risk of wrongful convictions and executions is too high. Others argue that the methods used in capital punishment, such as lethal injection, electrocution, or hanging, can be seen as cruel and inhumane.
3 From an ethical egoist perspective, the stance on the death penalty would depend on how the individual believes it affects their own self-interest. For instance, an ethical egoist might support the death penalty if they believe it serves as an effective deterrent against crime, reducing the risk of harm to themselves and society. Some ethical egoists may also argue that a just and orderly society, where individuals are held accountable for their actions, benefits everyone, including themselves. However, ethical egoists who prioritize limited government intervention might oppose the death penalty. They could argue that capital punishment grants the state excessive power over life and death, and such power poses a potential threat to individual liberty and autonomy (Feron, 2021). Ethical egoism focuses on individual self-interest, and different individuals may have different interpretations of what is in their own best interest. Thus, ethical egoists can hold divergent views on the death penalty based on their unique perspectives and assessments of how it aligns with their self-interest. If the need arises to justify their stance on the death penalty, an ethical egoist would likely emphasize how they believe it promotes their own self-interest. There can be a conflict between loyalty to oneself and loyalty to the community when considering the issue of the death penalty for ethical egoists. In the case of the death penalty, an ethical egoist might face a conflict if their personal self-interest clashes with the interests or values of the community. For instance, an ethical egoist may prioritize their personal safety and well-being over the well-being of the community if they believe that supporting the death penalty would contribute to reducing crime rates and enhancing their own personal safety. However, an ethical egoist might oppose capital punishment if an ethical egoist believes that the death penalty infringes upon individual rights or grants excessive power to the state. Also, if an ethical egoist strongly opposes the death penalty based on their moral values, they may choose to prioritize
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