What is justice? Is it about retribution, deterrence, or rehabilitation? Around the world, societies wrestle with how to respond to crime. This post explores the philosophical foundations and practical models of punishment, inviting reflection on fairness and transformation. 馃摎 Philosophical Roots of Punishment Historically, punishment was seen as retribution—“an eye for an eye.” Over time, thinkers like Cesare Beccaria and Michel Foucault questioned its effectiveness and ethics. Retributive justice focuses on moral balance: the offender must “pay” for the harm. Restorative justice seeks healing—for victims, offenders, and communities. Utilitarian models aim to prevent future crimes through deterrence or reform. 馃彌️ Comparison of Penal Systems (U.S. vs. Norway) United States: Emphasis on incarceration and deterrence. Harsh sentencing, especially for drug-related offenses. High recidivism rates and overcrowded prisons. Norway: Focus on rehabilitation and reintegrat...
n today’s hyperconnected world, we are bombarded with information from countless sources—social media, news outlets, influencers, and algorithms. But quantity doesn’t guarantee quality. To navigate this landscape responsibly, we need two essential skills: critical thinking and media literacy. 馃攳 What is Critical Thinking? Critical thinking is the intellectual discipline of analyzing facts, evaluating arguments, and questioning assumptions. It’s not about being skeptical of everything—it’s about being thoughtful, curious, and evidence-driven. It involves asking: Is this claim supported by evidence? Are there alternative viewpoints? What are the implications? It helps us avoid cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias (favoring information that supports our beliefs). 馃摪 How to Identify Reliable Sources Not all sources are created equal. Reliable sources are transparent, well-researched, and accountable. Look for authorship, citations, and editorial standards. Prefer pe...