[MD] A Science of Morals

[Steven Peterson]

Hi Craig,

On Wed, Apr 7, 2010 at 3:49 PM,  <craigerb at comcast.net> wrote:
> [Craig, revised]
> A & B torture & murder the other 6 billion people on earth.
> There is a robot-run prision that will ensure the worst possible misery
> at the push of a button. C in her dying moment believes
> A & B should be punished & that she ought to push the button.
> A & B believe that C doesn't understand the meaning of 'ought'.
> Does C ?

Steve:
I'm not sure that punishment has a place in a rational approach to
morality and justice. Why ought someone be punished? I suppose the
fear of punishment is a useful deterrent, but that doesn't apply in
this case. What other end could punishment serve in this case?

Best,
Steve