Punishable: meaning, definitions and examples

Legal Context

• In many societies, actions considered harmful can lead to fines or jail time, emphasizing that laws try to keep order.
• The concept of punishment in law often aims to deter similar behavior by others, helping to maintain societal norms.
• Different cultures have varied methods of punishment, ranging from rehabilitation to corporal punishment, reflecting their values.

Philosophy

• Philosophers debate the morality of punishment, discussing whether it serves justice or merely seeks revenge.
• Utilitarians argue that punishment should benefit society, while retributivists believe it should be a direct response to the crime.
• The idea of 'just deserts' suggests that individuals should face consequences proportionate to their actions, which influences legal systems.

Cultural Practices

• Many ancient civilizations had specific punishments that often reflected their cultural standards of right and wrong.
• In some indigenous cultures, community-based sanctions are preferred, emphasizing restoration rather than punishment.
• Restorative justice practices are gaining traction, focusing on healing rather than simply punishing wrongdoers.

Psychology

• Research shows that the threat of punishments can deter certain behaviors, though excessive punishment may lead to rebellion.
• Psychological studies highlight that understanding the reason behind a behavior often leads to more effective disciplinary actions rather than merely punishing.
• Children often learn from consequences realistically, with both positive and negative experiences affecting future choices.

Literature

• Many literary works explore themes of punishment, such as 'Les Misérables' which examines the life of a man condemned for theft.
• Shakespeare often included punishment in his plays; for example, in 'Hamlet', the quest for revenge leads to a series of tragic consequences.
• Fables and folklore frequently tell moral lessons through the punishment of characters, reinforcing social norms and ethics.

Ranked #10,766, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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