Is Punishment Ethical?: The Fallacy of Good and Evil--A Thesis

Is there a false premise that is blinding us to the truth? Is the reason our jails and prisons are bursting at the seams because we have been blinded by a lie? Does this lie prevent us from seeing a truth that has been proven repeatedly by scientists who cannot connect the dots between their work and the problem with the current system because they, too, believe this lie? Research has repeatedly shown that sustained low emotional states precede criminal activity. Research has also shown that positive emotional states lead to increased kindness, corporate citizenship, better relationships, less racism, and better treatment of strangers. What if the solution to crime was within our grasp and all we have to do is take action? What if our biggest prison problem twenty years from now is what to do with all the empty facilities? In her revolutionary thesis, Minister Joy argues that this future is feasible and that it is our moral and ethical responsibility to use this information to prevent the suffering and the waste of lives that will surely occur if we don't act. She challenges us to be bold enough to move forward or risk being viewed as the cowards we were by history when her thesis is proven and our current practices are seen for the ignorance that is at their root. While being clear that she does not blame those involved for our current system because they are simply doing what they were taught was right. She beseeches us to look at the evidence and do whatever we can to move this forward, for the benefit of all. Once you understand the evidence it is so clear that is becomes hard to remember how we could have ever been blind to the truths revealed herein. Science has shown that Primary Prevention can prevent crime and other undesirable behaviors. This thesis provides a blueprint to a world our ancestors only dreamed of--a kinder, gentler world where peace and harmonious relationships are normal. We can create that world today.