Markedal, Jacob Ejdrup

Midtgaard, Tobias

This thesis will show the problems arising from the use of Enlightenment philosophers to explain the movement to abolish the use of capital punishment in Denmark. Within the field of History of Ideas Enlightenment philosophers have been given a significant role in the evolution of western civilizations since the 18th century. This thesis will illustrate as well as criticize, the influence of the Enlightenment philosophers Immanuel Kant and Cesare Beccaria on the development of the modern Danish system of law and the movement to abolish capital punishment in Denmark. This is done to show that the outcome of political decisions and the changes they bring cannot, and should not, be considered the direct result of the works of single philosophers. On the contrary it will be shown to be the result of the use of several principles of thought already represented in the population overall. It will be shown, that without regard for the specific historical context the philosophical texts were written in, they cannot justifiably be viewed as an explanation for or an influence on later political movements

Capital Punishment in Denmark: The influence of Enlightenment philosophers on capital punishment

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Roskilde Universitet