Blame, Punishment, and Predominant Retributivism

Abstract

Blame is a directed attitude that involves a core aversive reaction based on a belief that the target is blameworthy but gives rise to a syndrome of familiar expressive and communicative functions. Punishment involves blame and sanctions. Retributivist essentials are explained and defended, and it is argued that retributivism must be part of the truth about the justification of punishment. Predominant retributivism should be preferred to pure retributivism.