An Eye for an Eye?

[1137]

What do you think of the "Eye for an Eye" philosophy? I used to strongly embrace it and practically worship it, however, my views on it have gradually reversed themselves. I think that it is applicable in social instances. For example, if someone hits me, I hit them back. However, I don't think that it should ever be applied by authority (for example, the death penalty). If a friend were to hit me, I probably would not hit them back due to the positive relationship I had built with them in the past. However, I would treat an enemy in a manner even more vindictive than the "Eye for an Eye" philosophy. I don't think that there is any one universally applicable philosophy for justice, it's all fluid depending on the situation.

What do you think?

At the state level I think eye for an eye is closer to the way to go. A first degree murderer shouldn't sit easily in prison on tax payer dollars, show them the same respect for life they showed to their victim. Same with rape, financial punishment for theft, and so on. Now I guarantee there are plenty of scenarios where this could fall short, such as a starving child stealing food. That's why we need a justice system, because eye for and eye can't be blind and reactionary.

 

[Kapalika]

Based on what little I know of game theory, I think "two tits for tat" works best. In other words, forgiveness, the first time someone "defects". And retaliation if they continue. Although practically you might need to give them a few more chances depending on the situation and relationship. And honestly, if they want to get along then holding onto the past doesn't help, and many times escalating it doesn't help either.

Too often, people use these kinds of mentalities to justify being petty.

 

[Reggie Miller]

To err is human, to forgive divine.

That's the difference.

 

[ScottySatan]

To err is human, to forgive divine.

That human Christians don't forgive is consistent with everyones' experience.

 

[Reggie Miller]

That human Christians don't forgive is consistent with everyones' experience.

Huh?