Punishment and the History of Political Philosophy : From Classical Republicanism to the Crisis of Modern Criminal Justice

Contemporary philosophy still lacks a satisfying theory of punishment, one that adequately addresses our basic moral concerns. Yet, as the crisis of incarceration in the United States and elsewhere shows, the need for a deeper understanding of punishment's purpose has never been greater. In Punishment and the History of Political Philosophy , Arthur Shuster offers an insightful study of punishment in the works of Plato, Hobbes, Montesquieu, Beccaria, Kant, and Foucault. Through careful interpretation of their key texts, he argues that continuing tensions over retribution's role in punishment reflect the shift in political philosophy from classical republicanism to modern notions of individual natural rights and the social contract. This book will be vital reading for political theorists, philosophers, criminologists, and legal scholars looking for a new perspective on the moral challenges faced by the modern criminal justice system.

Contemporary philosophy still lacks a satisfying theory of punishment, one that adequately addresses our basic moral concerns. Yet, as the crisis of incarceration in the United States and elsewhere shows, the need for a deeper understanding of punishment’s purpose has never been greater.

In Punishment and the History of Political Philosophy, Arthur Shuster offers an insightful study of punishment in the works of Plato, Hobbes, Montesquieu, Beccaria, Kant, and Foucault. Through careful interpretation of their key texts, he argues that continuing tensions over retribution’s role in punishment reflect the shift in political philosophy from classical republicanism to modern notions of individual natural rights and the social contract.

This book will be vital reading for political theorists, philosophers, criminologists, and legal scholars looking for a new perspective on the moral challenges faced by the modern criminal justice system.

In Punishment And The History Of Political Philosophy, Arthur Shuster Offers An Insightful Study Of Punishment In The Works Of Plato, Hobbes, Montesquieu, Beccaria, Kant, And Foucault. Through Careful Interpretation Of Their Key Texts, He Argues That Continuing Tensions Over Retribution's Role In Punishment Reflect The Shift In Political Philosophy From Classical Republicanism To Modern Notions Of Individual Natural Rights And The Social Contract.-- The Problem Of Punishment And The Limits Of Reform In Plato's Laws -- Modern Natural Right And Punishment In Hobbes's Leviathan -- Liberalizing The Criminal Law : Montesquieu And Beccaria -- Retribution And Individual Autonomy In Kant's Rechtslehre -- Foucault And The Crisis Of Modern Criminal Justice -- Conclusion: Punishment And Liberalism. Arthur Shuster. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 171-180). "In Punishment and the History of Political Philosophy, Arthur Shuster offers an insightful study of punishment in the works of Plato, Hobbes, Montesquieu, Beccaria, Kant, and Foucault. Through careful interpretation of their key texts, he argues that continuing tensions over retribution's role in punishment reflect the shift in political philosophy from classical republicanism to modern notions of individual natural rights and the social contract."-- From publisher's website "In Punishment and the History of Political Philosophy, Arthur Shuster offers an insightful study of punishment in the works of Plato, Hobbes, Montesquieu, Beccaria, Kant, and Foucault. Through careful interpretation of their key texts, he argues that continuing tensions over retribution's role in punishment reflect the shift in political philosophy from classical republicanism to modern notions of individual natural rights and the social contract."--Résumé de l'éditeur