German Idealism and the Concept of Punishment

Against the background of early modernism - a period that justified punishment by general deterrence - Kant is usually thought to represent a radical turn towards retributivism. For Kant, and later for Fichte and Hegel, a just punishment respects the humanity inherent in the criminal, and serves no external ends - it is instituted only because the criminal deserves it. In this original study, Jean-Christophe Merle uses close analysis of texts to show that these philosophers did not in fact hold a retributivist position, or even a mixed position; instead he traces in their work the gradual emergence of views in favour of deterrence and resocialisation. He also examines Nietzsche's view that morality rests on the rejection of retribution. His final chapter offers a challenge to the retributivist position, and a defence of resocialisation, in the context of current legal theory and practice concerning the punishment of crimes against humanity.

List of contents

Preface; List of abbreviations; Introduction; Part I. Desert as the Sole Justification for Punishment: 1. The two Kantian concepts of right; 2. Kant's legal justification of punishment; 3. Kant's moral justification of punishment; Part II. Punishment as a Means of Rehabilitation: 4. Fichte's 'expiation contract'; 5. Hegel's negation of crime; Part III. Retributivist Inhumanity: 6. Nietzsche and punishment without remorse; 7. Why are crimes against humanity punished at all?; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

About the author

Jean-Christophe Merle is a Professor in the Department of Philosophy, University of Tours, an Honorary Professor at the University of Saarland and a lecturer at the University of Tübingen.

Summary

This original study examines the views of Kant, Fichte and Hegel on punishment, and traces in their work the gradual emergence of views in favour of deterrence and resocialisation. Merle also examines Nietzsche's view that morality rests on the rejection of retribution.

Product details

• Authors: Jean Christophe Merle, Jean-Christophe Merle, Jean-Christophe (Universitat Des Saarlandes Merle, Merle Jean-Christophe
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.12.2015
• EAN: 9781107559301
• ISBN: 978-1-107-55930-1
• No. of pages: 224
• Series: Modern European Philosophy (Pa; Modern European Philosophy
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: antiquity to present day; Social sciences, law, business > Law > International law, foreign law; Germany, PHILOSOPHY / History & Surveys / Modern, Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900, Philosophical traditions and schools of thought, History of Western philosophy, Jurisprudence & Philosophy Of Law