When Glenn asked Sandel whether society could tolerate the presence of antisocial behavior, Sandel subtly changed the subject to whether or not retribution is effective or justified. These topics are loosely related, but far from identical. Even if retribution was ineffective and unjustified, people need a way of dealing with people who can’t or won’t embrace reasonable social norms. Prison is an expensive and unpleasant means for achieving that goal. It would have been interesting to hear a discussion of actual alternatives.
When Glenn asked Sandel whether society could tolerate the presence of antisocial behavior, Sandel subtly changed the subject to whether or not retribution is effective or justified. These topics are loosely related, but far from identical. Even if retribution was ineffective and unjustified, people need a way of dealing with people who can’t or won’t embrace reasonable social norms. Prison is an expensive and unpleasant means for achieving that goal. It would have been interesting to hear a discussion of actual alternatives.