Part 1
In recent times, the state of Tennessee revived usage of its electric chair after not using it for several years. The request to be electrocuted came from a sentenced man who had been in the state’s correctional system for over 30 years.
Take a moment to acquaint yourself with the dynamics of this situation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYtclbWVCs0
Whether by the electric chair, lethal injection, the gas chamber, or even a firing squad, the death penalty still engenders a wide range of emotions. As our textbook indicates, “Few moral issues provoke the kind of fiery emotions and fervent debate that capital punishment does” (666 (attached)). Read through the initial portion of the chapter pay close attention to who abolitionists are, as well as retentionists, looking closely at the textbook’s definition for “punishment,” and “capital punishment.”
Now watch the following clip which will give you a background on the history of capital punishment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9DtjJFQnmY
Review again on pages 667-668 (attached) about the key court cases including Furman v. Georgia and Woodson v. North Carolina.
PART 1 Question:
What do you find most revealing/interesting about capital punishment, in general? State three of your observations, elaborating briefly on each.Make sure to include inserts from the book pages and the video attached.
PART 2:
Review how the moral theories we have continued to study in this course impact on our understanding of the different beliefs regarding capital punishment. Carefully read from page 668 up through page 673.
Which of the two moral perspectives would you rank as having the strongest foundations, that is, justifications? Why? Identify each as you explain why you think these two moral perspectives have the greatest merit. Explain why.
PART 3:
Finally, review the four-part argument on page 673 numbered 1-4.(attached) What makes this argument valid? Why? Read the textbook’s commentary which extends onto page 674. What do you see as the greatest tension in resolving this argument? Why?
PART 4:
Select ONE of the readings at the end of the chapter, preferably one with which you think might directly oppose what you personally believe about capital punishment. State three of your selected writer’s chief arguments, explaining why you personally think those arguments are flawed.
Keep in mind we need to keep our attention on “thinking” versus “feeling.” We all acknowledge we have feelings, but we want to reason even more so from a logical perspective. It is possible to even see merit with another’s position even if you personally disagree with it.
