PHIL 6475

PHIL 6475

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025. The Catalog/Courses of Study 2025-2026 is scheduled to publish mid-June.

This course addresses central debates in the philosophy of legal punishment. We will analyze the leading theories of punishment, including the familiar retributivist and deterrent alternatives, as well as lesser-known hybrid, self-defense, and rehabilitative accounts. We will ask whether each theory offers a general justification for establishing institutions of punishment, and whether each theory justifies specific acts of punishment. Other topics may include criminal responsibility, the legitimacy of collateral consequences (e.g., the denial of felons' voting rights), alternatives to punishment, etc.

When Offered Spring.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: LAW 6030PHIL 3475SHUM 3475

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  • 20118 PHIL 6475   LEC 001

    • TR
    • Aug 25 - Dec 8, 2025
    • Yost, B

  • Instruction Mode: In Person