Plato on Punishment and Vice: From a Modern American Viewpoint

Abstract

This paper primarily discusses ancient Platonic dialogues in attempt to uncover and interpret Plato’s theory of punishment. With an analysis of both ancient and modern works, as well as an examination of the American criminal justice system, I argue that punishment need not be used solely as a deterrent, but rather it should be used to improve society and the individual as well as serve justice for the victim.