TITLE:
Epistemic Investigation into Jeremy Bentham’s Theory of Capital Punishment: Implications on Nigeria Situation
AUTHORS:
Raphael Olisa Maduabuchi, Stephen Chijioke Chukwujekwu, Rita Zubechukwu Madu
KEYWORDS:
Capital, Punishment, Utilitarianism, Crime, Culture, Nigeria, Violence and Happiness
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Philosophy,
Vol.11 No.1,
February
1,
2021
ABSTRACT: This work tends to examine capital punishment in Jeremy Bentham’s
utilitarianism and its application to Nigeria situation. Capital punishment is a controversial issue in many parts of the
globe. The high incidence of crime in Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world calls for a stringent measure to curb
this menace in society. The proponents of
capital punishment are of the view that capital punishment helps to deter or
prevent crimes. But, in what sense can capital punishment serve as an effective deterrent? On the other hand, the opponents of capital punishment conceive that
capital punishment promotes the culture of violence in society, which violates
human dignity and right to life. This study made use of textual analysis. Data
collected from books and journals were analysed using analytical, expository and critical
methods. Jeremy Bentham seeks to resolve this dilemma by positing that capital
punishment can be justified only if it can contribute to a significant increase
in the happiness of others.