What you are saying, buhogrunon, is fair. The point that I think should be stressed in Daniel's discussion, however, is that a system that only punishes and fails to reform is an effort in vain. Given that punishment usually takes place within a designated period of time, after which prisoners enter again into 'normal' society, should we not be aiming for something better with which they can approach life outside? What is the point of churning out people if not angrier than before, feeling no less persecuted by the institutions (for many who end up in prison have been victims of structural violence - institutions and policies that foster discriminatory preferences of gender, class, race, sexual orientation, and other classifications - and whether or not they know the root of the evil, persistent societal disdain can only hurt). Would it really be an excusing of immoral actions to permit the actor to truly feel the grief and remorse that is due? And to say, "There can be change, you don't have to do this again, you don't have to be chained by your experiences"?
Such a philosophy of reform would rest on the understanding that humans are capable of appropriating their own development. This is the one thing that distinguishes us as animals. It may be incredibly difficult to understand oneself and by extension human nature, but the research is out there. It is in our policies and our prejudices that are yet unwilling to give - not forgive. 'To forgive' is so common a mantra delivered to those wronged by, but it's misleading for many, ultimately serving to undermine their capacity for compassion. What we want is change, for nobody else to feel the hurt that we feel. In order for that to happen we must allow those who have wronged the time and space to learn.
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Such a philosophy of reform would rest on the understanding that humans are capable of appropriating their own development. This is the one thing that distinguishes us as animals. It may be incredibly difficult to understand oneself and by extension human nature, but the research is out there. It is in our policies and our prejudices that are yet unwilling to give - not forgive. 'To forgive' is so common a mantra delivered to those wronged by, but it's misleading for many, ultimately serving to undermine their capacity for compassion. What we want is change, for nobody else to feel the hurt that we feel. In order for that to happen we must allow those who have wronged the time and space to learn.