Punishment

Concept and Meaning

We need to understand the very concept of concept because we often do not understand this and it oten bads us to a misunderstanding of the conceptual basis of any thing.

Therefore let us understand the meaning of the word concept. Concept means a idea or notion.

A general concept refers to a generalised idea or notion.

Therefore when we wish to understand the concept we need to reflect upon the general idea or notion prevailing about something or as the thing is commenly undetstood.

The concept of punishment therefore, refers to, inthe first place, the common nation that it conveys. And we can easily conclude that punishment incommon understanding and so also in common parlance refers to penalty for a wrong done or committed.

Punishment therefore means premishing or being punished or in other words loss or suffering inflicted.

An impartant aspect that gets pertiment by its loud silence is that in the very concept of punishment there is and scope of understanding of the end it is required to achieve.

We must admit that most of us have never thought of it and if at all sometime this thought has ventured over sleeping consvious we have taken care enought to allow it flash by or die unnotice and uncared.

This is the basic reason why we have not been able to address our problems and solve the evils and ills ofthe social bazaar by way of punishment.

If punishments were to root out the decay, the more provision of punishement and at the most a few unplemented would have severed the society from its ills and endered it pure and severe. If did not happen,it does not happen, it will never happen.

What then is the unportance and need of punishement.  Why should then there be
any punishement at all ?  The questions and many more naturally emerge. 

Punishement, in the form that they are generally understood and implemented, are basically a nevenge tool.  When exercised on an individual or personal basis, they are aermed… unsocial and illagal and when routed through the channel and panel of jury they are said to be authorised legal and justified,

It is in this lackdrop of punishment andits existenes and practise that we are to see bi relevance or the lack of it in shaping and planning the society and securing the the social constituent the member of the society, the man the human being for betterment and peace.

Having understood this concept of the general form of acceptance of the term we can now go ahead to formulate the case for or against it and also gange the other shades of the concept of punishment

Origins

When I refer to the origins, I do not refer to the origin of the word punishment not its language origin. My reference is to the the origin of the concept of punishment.

This concept many have originalded in any term and that does concern our exercise have.  Our concern is related to the very basis that may ormust have led to the development of this concept.

Can you think of thatbasis idea that very fundamental, that very embroynic stage that must have generated this whole idea of punishment.

Let me explain Man is generally believed to how evolved from a primitive age and style of leving to the one that is in vogue today.  This evolution of civilization shall continue and surge ahead with force.  The reason thenew findings and discoveries and the always growing and expanding horizon of science.

Parallel to this evolution these has been another inportant evolution.  At stoges visible and often invisible the basic reason being the visibility is visible only observetions of stages separated by long time unteravals.

Can you guess what evolution is being talked about.  This evoluation is the one referre to by Darwin.

Darwin’s Theory that man has involved from the animal stage or ape stage to the present stage is quite accepted.

Even if these are debates with respect to its plansibility one thing is certain that in may that is in human beings we expect a departure from the general behaviour if other creatures better called and easier understood as animals. This departure is indeed these.

But another signification fact is that these is often a reversal to the animal stage or withdrawal to the animal like behaviour.

This indeed, if nothing else, proves the Darwin’s theory the original form of the human today. We can very well see the animal that man was and the animal that is still in him and takes cantrol of his being quite often.

It was and still is in the animal or the animal form of creation that the exercise of authority takes places.  It is in that form that the weak is surpressed by the strong.  The weak cannot justify itself its being its existance, the rights of the weak are as long as the strong desires and parents it.

Punishment un its original form and its basic birth must have emerzed as the show of authrity and power the strong ever the weak.  If must have been an attempt to project the strength.  If the strong and also to lay threod bare the weakness of the weak.  The helplessness of the weak.

Punishment  basically most have originoted from the animal instinet of ruling by might.  If must have emergerd from the jungle law might is right.  The strong is correct the weak is wrong.

Intention and Purpose

We have referred to the concept and origin of punishm,ent and new we need to focus on the purpose.

Why punishment ?

The above is a very inportant question and we need to attend to its importance.  We must work to find an answer to the why because we need to know rather we must know the reason behind doing anything.  We ought to outline the expectation that is there in us and it is then that we shall be able to guide our action in the  

desired direction.

What then is the purpose of punishement.  What can be thepurpose of punishement afterall ? well, if we go into the depth our purpose may be indeed enalted rather it is exalted.  The purpose it quite praise wedding for it carries within its fold a very humane colour.  The purpose is for the larger good and the society as a whole and therefore confirmly for the individual who is the wrong does the malefactor.

The purpose is non-repatition and thereby betterment.

Our role intent an amending a punishment or punishing is that we wish that the action, behaviour or whatever is not repeated and thereby it is unplied that which is  

not desired is not good and if it is had-leaving it shall aurgment betterment.

It is the ultimate change towards good or from good to better that we all desire.  It is this that has granted a sanction to punishment.

In the ancient history, if we peep we shall find that this has been the purpose always.  the advocates of punishment today also agree to the betterment aspect. Even those who argue vehementaly  against punishment cannot but accept that the purpose is indeed towards goodness for all away from bad or evil in the unforest of the individual and the social commune as a whole.  There are see the purpose established.

Method

How we do a thing is very unfortant.  It is right that the and should be well thought of before we indulge into any process of action but at the same time it is equally thought of.  

It is important to give the means its due for Gandhiji rightly said that the right ends need to be achieved with the right means.  Any and, however pure, exalted and four  it may be, losses its. A….. and is rudderless if the means r…. to acquire it or get to it has not been worthy- i.e. good and acceptable. Our problems the refere lies in the method that is adopted in punishing or the methods of punishment or the ways in which are is punished.

Reflect on the punishments that you and may have get thumb bad into those days when we were prone to err and ofter we were visiting of  wronge committed by us and hence subject to punishment.

If you can, recall how actually the punishments were carried out.  And canyou think and give the most common undercurrent that formed the soul of almost every punishment.  You should be able to do so.  We all should be able to locate that common shade present in all punishments.  When I say all punishment I refer to all forms of punishment

From ages past to the times present we leave noticed and cannot but accept that the one who punishes is theone who is the master, the one who holds authority, the one who carries might, the one who dares other’s and the one who have others subordinated  to him.

Punishment is the sport of the powerful the week and the weak are more powers and are to be played upon at will of the study and the browing

At this juncture let me very well classify that indulging into erroneous jobs and
performing wrong deeds renders one weak and week chiefly when he does’nt possess the meetle to protect his action and his future.

We have Raman history and other allied historical accounts that recount horrible and bloody punishment awarded and carried for those who were criminals or those who were merely weak and thus rendered victims for no foult of their …. the foult did actually lie in their creation and thus the creator.

 The method of punishment has always been appressive in nature and presentation.  Punishment has always been noted out to show the power of the one who is punishing and the helplessness of the one being punished.  Punishment has always been a show of strength a display of might a picture of trinply of the strong over the weak.

 Be it legal or just any other punishment we find the some element evident in all.  All forms of punishment reflect that it is a tool in the hands of the priviledged to be used at will or purpose to demounce the act, thought or being of anyone who is not priviledged or as much priviledged.  It is rather a proof of the existence of the mighty and the weak and eternal triump of the former over the letter.

 Out come or End result.

The outcome of punishment is very easy to understand and easier to feel.
The outcome is very much like intention or the purpose.

 The outcome is indeed seen as a restriction of the undesired act or behaviour or behaviour pattern.

 This brake on the repetition of a certain action or behaviour pattern may be because of two inportant things either fear or reformation

 The methodology o the punishment makes it empty clear that the first one FEAR is the main reases rather than REFORM the second one.

 Fear therefore  ensures non repetition because of the unpending possiblity of being apprehanded and punished.

 And if this is the end result achieved, punishment has really nothing to do with social set or societal need, it has and concern whatsoever with civilization and progressive thinking if it has any relation it it the sstrong bound with barbarisom and punishment is a reflection of revenge rather than pardon.

Punishment should basically aim to referm the reform should be the reinforcement that shall with hold pass on from not repeting any form of undesired behaviours pattern.  If the check is not because of a change that make the undividual be focus of the act or the beed realise that his act or behaviours pattern has been undesirable, then the change is useless for it is very temporal and certainly it leaves enought scope and room of repetition of the way of thought in some other form, in same other act, in some other behaviour patter.

 The end result is nedeed good if it brings about a reform in the thinking pattern in the reasoining pattern and thereby in the entire being of the individual.

 Punishment are aimed at change.  But the change in meaningless if it is because of fear and if it is temporary.  It is meaningless if it is to avoid punishment.  It is meaningful only if it is because the individual feels com…… about the change and adopt it of his own free will for his good and that of others

 The Contradiction

The contradiction of the spirit in which the and result is achieved mars or puts a questions  mark on the very justification of punishment in any form.

 Punishment said to be examplaning are awarded to set examples. They eventually end up creating a fear pshythosis and do not affect any change of heart or mind that is feeling or reasaning.

 Besides, the examplary punishments to no good to sthe one punished for be is victimised for others to take a lesson.  The very use of the term exemplany retrays the fact that may be such punishement was not required at all such punishment was not reequired for the of the wrong done – and thus the punishment renders itself unothical fools that we are, we enpact to unport lessons and set up examples with things that are unothical, against morals.

 In our Zeal to referm we have adulterated punishment with nothing but revenge motive.  The adulteration has been so much and for and long that it is completely over taken the concept of punishment.

 To legitimise our act of punishing we have formulated codes of conduct and made provisions of punishment therein.  We have also devoloped legal systems and secured written the folds of legality various kinds and types of punishments ranging from minor reprimands to death penalities, capital sentences.  How for this is justified ? How for we the makes of this society are justified is a question yet unanswered and so shall is remance.

 Present status

In light of the discussions so for it is important to assess.  Punishment as it is how.  Its present form or status.  The relevance of the aspect magnifies in context of the changing society and more.  Than the physical changes the change in the values.

It is worthy to note that care concern and cousciouess pertaining to punishment is on the rise.  The entire issue has become a matter of serious human concern and thus it has become the centre of a fierce on going debate.

It is the concern and the varying viours of the day that leads us to this discussion that we have had so for and whatever more we shall have of it.  Our deliberations an the varous facts of punishment is proof enough that we have openious and that we do feel that our views be registered.  

This society today looks upon punishment as a refarding elements is social and human emancipation.  Development and growth are  rejated with punishments continuing as a part of the human society Reasons for this is very simple

punishment contuning as a part of the human society.  Reasons for this is very simple punishments basically strike at the very root of values today and question their being human at all.

The result is obsorve punishments are on the decline.  There is a reduction in instances of punishment and certainly a lot of thought put into before awarding any.  Well, the legal system is still intact.  Punishment orig…… for the penal code are very much in vegue but definitely these is an out our against that too.

At this juncture it would be worth taking a digression with regard to legal punishments or punishments partaining to the penal code.

The digression is to focus a small section of our understanding and reaserving in observing the concept of government and governance.

Goverment is a body put forth by the society to regulate the society i.e. toansure governance.  It is this governance that endorses lestain…. obterrouts for security of the common man.  These deterrants are what we find in the penal code of governance .  

This, however does  not justify the existence of punishment ispecially if the are not reform oriented, but we do find that the focus now is shifboy from make panalty to a referment ended eventual outcome.

The reform ended outcome has indeed developed to a great extent in certain pecbeats of the legal penel code and undoubtelly bearing sweet fruits.

Thus the digression helps us undevitand that even the most essential or as thus understood and advocated section of the need of existence and practise of punishment has also begun disintegrating.  The regidities are shifting into the background making way to flexibilities  and experimentation.

Punishments therefore exists, yet their very being is on the contemplation platform and it is doing nothing less than making it milder and thereby eroding its area if exercise.     

Need and Purpose

Need refers to the situation where semothing becomes inperchive. This is a situation that indicates difficulty without the said need and this difficulty innot amore inconvenience but one that hampers your proper everyday living in the very

basic manner.

Purposewe all know reers to the end we wish to achieve. Purpose the goal that is eventually aspired asthe end of a chain of action of at the culmin….. of any effort.

With regard to the punishment let us find the need for  Punishment.

Need is the very basic requirement we havejust said – then is it true that punishment is a very basic requirement.

We resert to punishment when we find someone or something deciating  from the path designed the path may refer to taster and habits is ethier and the like which help govern and maintain any system.

But the pertiment question here is punishment is to be used to change or simply to stop a certain mode of behaviour.  If the latter is the goal the purpose is very mean and narrow andhencequite confined.  And this deferrent nature cannever ever convert the bed’s of thesociety into good. This will forthe weak creats a fear and those with same doing shall take it as a challenge. Punishments shall remain and contiune to plaque the offenders but neither the offence nor the offenders shall decline in number

Whereas, if the purpose beto change the very method of behaviour or habit and streamline the same into one that conferms to thenorms and levels of acceptability then indeed it it well intended.  But then for such an intention why punishment at all In sucha case the need is to rejuvenote the confidence of the individual in the established accepted fram because.  Some where, it is the fall of this confidence that makes anyone tred the path  on the dherside.  therefore, if the need be reform punishment need not be taken resource to at all.

We can therefore realize pretty well that punishment cannot be acce[ted as an aspect of the curlized society not is it any tool worth the while to ensure civilization.  Punishment is not needed if the purpose is the ultmate good of the individual and the society thereby.

Howevere, we still have ample examples of punishments and we often resort to them.  Do we not need to rethink our way of action and rearrange our methods of developing a set up that is uniform and underfurbed.  Fear can stop it can never change. And remember what is stopped forever strives to break free, break loose.

Present Society

The present society does not actually need any description because we all are its members and constitments.  Further if we reflect we shall find that we are also the ones who frame, guide and forward thesociety.

When I talk of ‘We’ I refer to the entire lot of humans who belong to the society in reference, but on second thought I feel, “We” may also refer to “us” the class that has brain the class that is intellectual.

The present society in all its forms is accepted asa civiliged and modern society progressive in thought and action and comprehansive in its acceptance of norms.

The question then is why do we need to actually under stand this society which is so well understood . What is that we need to understand more?

These question are genuine.  Certainly we do not need to understand anything more but we need to reflect whether the concept we harbour is endeed the correctly understood concept or not.

Let us come back to the earlier reference we had made the society is civilized modern, progressive and comprehansive.

Of the four adjectives the key is ‘civilized’ How do we understand civilization
The ferm is understood as a stage when the human or any living settlement is arranged in a methodical way based on certain norms designed as per needs basic comferts and luxuries .

 Now we have with us very complen situation the methodical ways- the methodical ways are also painful and difficult does cinlisation then refer to difficulties.  Well we may refer to difficulties as restrictions.  Why the restrictions to help members remain civilized. To help remain civilized hunts at the fact that they may roll back to the uncivilized state well if it is so can we call our society really civilized.

 In my opinion no. It is a society that is basically barbasic but existence, rather the desire of existence is forcing man to adhere to norms which may like or may not.  If some people think this to be civilization I do not contest such aclaim.  But

certainly the daily life and living sa……… between the good and the bad clearly signals the present society as both civilized and barbaric.  A let, therefore, remains to be done.

 Social Need

One the primary needs of the society today is its capability to provide security and facilitabe  in dividual existence.
We do not suffermuch prom the lack of the physical wants such as food, cloth and shilter but our actual suffering ax…………… from the exfreme sence of ensecurity that has enveloped us.

 We are also in the grip of the fear of losing what is rightfully ours.

 Let me tell you that it is this fundamental afear that makes a person most uncomfortable and this is the basic trouble that one encounters.

 Un doubtedly, therefore, we need to ensure security. Whys and inplementing this security or sense of security many  be numerous but often to see punishments as a very good tool.

 The questions that needs to be addressed is – does punishment actually remove the sense of security.  We have strict punishments that crimes continue and problems amerge.  If there is a check at my time or any place it is because of the fear created by the very thought of punishment.

 We can very easily canclude that punishments are just differents.
Punishments can actually stop a certain mode of action but they cannot actually affect the thought.

 As long as this situation continues- punishments shall never be the ultimate solution to social security.  Punishments shall only plague the society with the concept of punishing the does and allowing the act go unattended.

The society shall continus with its problems and no amout of punishment however intense indegree and painful in terms of time shall ever be able to rid the society of its ills The need therefore, the crying need of the day is to develop through research a mode of checkthat a facilitater, a pathfinder, achannel that provides solutions and solace in the solution.

We need today a code that is not penal but on that is refermative.  A penal code is at best revengeful and at worst beastly  it can never help a human being or a humane thought. Lets discard it in favour of a self tender emotional method

 Methodelogy And Punishments.

We see that in the present society and so has it been since times unmerorial and thus shall ifremain for all times to come – punishments aim at forture.

 Forture is nothing but unfliacture pain tens may be either physical or mental but the end remains the same unflicting pain.

 Can we actually claim to be normal humans if we found to inflict pain.  But this is the methoddy that is seen and practised.

 Some times rather often I would say, the infliction of the pain is beastly with no convern at all for theman who is a living being.

 It is really foolish for anyone to expect good by inflicting bad.  the bad may be just a return for some bad but the question is the irony is we expect one to become good after receiving the bad.  This has never hoppened nor shall it ever.

 As long as forture is the touchstone of punishment the ssociety shall continue with the trangedies of evil and punishments shall continues as acts of revange nothing more nothing less.

 What should be the Approach

We need to understand that punishments do not mean
revenge Punishments do not mean unflicting or causing pain. Punishments are never a practical shape to the beastly thoughts we harbour. We need to look at punishments not as the mode of showing power authority and might but as an act aimed at betterment.  This betterment can be achieved through realisation of the act committed its aspects, rather bad aspectsfor an act for which one is punished may not any good aspect at all.

Punishment should aimat being an eye opener for the one to when it is noted out, in order to help the undividual understand what to do and what not to do.

 This is the aspect of punishment and this is also the and motive. But despite the awaareners of the above, wefail to inplement the same.

 Elimination of the malefactor may not necessarity ber end of the wrong doing but alimination of the wrong feeling can certainly brings about an end to the wrongs being canmitted everyday here in this society that we call civilized.

 Punishments should aim at the root of wrongs the wrong notion And it is this root that shall spronting its wicked shoot ftime and again if it is check while still the morality has its values taking place and also latter on with a desire to affect  the existing values positively if in fact they are wrong.

 The approach to be adopted a punishments i.e. while awarding punishments should be of prime concern to the object it is aim at that is the receiver.

 The object of the wrath of punishment should be of prime concern we may have to adopt an approach that actually gives credit to the ……………. by the fact that we may have to look at the act from the point of its does.

 This approach can be formed as the Humanistic alpproach an approach that gives importance to the life and living of human beings with humans features. Humans features refer to a host of holistic feelings and concern alongwith activities that eventually help adopt a human frindly approach in all that we say or do. ‘

 If we are able to identify, establish and being the practice of the humanistic approach, there might be some ………. initially but eventually the while system shall emerge with resounding claim of success.

 Punishment of school

 Punishment in schools of the day also t………. at the punishments that is carporal, physical and very less or no mental involvement.

 Can we the refer ………punishment to modify and motivate a biased minds. No net atall.

 None can ever expect the betterment of a prejudiced mind.  And thus is the situation.  This situation is more volatile and tense because of the fact that it concerns young children who are ever bubbling with b…………. spirit bathed in the spring of energy and stamina both of physique and emotion.should we then dischage the punishment the way we do ?

 The question is simple but the answer complex complex because the unimedial question that rises is if not the way it is long then how else.
This how else is important. But before that we need to understand why not the way we do ?

 The answer and in scores we causebut ourrash actsof punishing a child a permanent scar on the pure mental frame of the young individual thus faith…..the thinking.

 Besidesawarding punishments is alsoa lesson in teaching how to punish.
We may stop a temperory act for the time being but actually we blamish a process the thought process of the child and thus we help the germination of the beast sin the young soul.

 These and many other reasing are enough to prove that punishments the way they are today need to stopped unimediately.

 Here beings the search for the other paths and they way to help check and ask any untowards behaviours in a child or a pupil

 For this search we need to frame some ethics some guidelines so that we keep to the path and do net wonder away in our search of the ammaintic wklap of punishment.  Well wecan first of being with the listing of the ethics or guidelines
rather the ethical guidelines some of them can be as below

1. Remember, that the approach is humanastic

2.Remember that the act concerns human beings.

3.Remember that you too area human being.

4.Ensure that you understand humanistic approach.

5.Check if you know the concept humans well.

6.Ensure your capability and preparedness for  framing the guidelines.

7.Check if you are equipped well enough with  requisite experience and interaction.

8. Ensure that you can rightly recall you past.

9.Check upon your reactions to punishments given to you while you were a child.

10.Be bold to quit this fast if you feel any act or iota of incapability on any of the nine fronts

11.Being anthe task.

Now hereon being the types of punishments that should be envolved for school children And atonistingly we shall discovery that there is none to proceed to the eleventh step and take on the actually change of framing punishments.

The reason I can tell you for some is that none like punishmentsforone reason or the other.  Our acts of punishing others are a more now of our frustration at our forture of havisng achieved what we ought to And this failure we wish to cover up by hashness of talk and action so as to make down the child and thuscover up our failures for we get perplexed to witness our failures.

We infact use punishments as short cuts to the exalled goal entrusted in our case.  These shart cuts indeed cut short the desired development and hence lead so astate of blattedand blemished mental state.

We must know and admit that it is because we began it at the basics that weeventually emerged as members of a society that could not exist without a penal code

The fact that offenses continue despite strivgent and examplary punishments it self pro…….ces the failure of the process if of punishing  

Mission

As a teacher, the mission that I work towards and take forward is to be the corner stone that can be relied upon in the assembly of a sturdy base for the permanence of an enduring learning process and skill improvement. The achievments of the pupil would be the distinguished possession of the learner.

Experimentation for proof and proof for belief should be the basis of all knowlwdge.

Besides, the ornate edifice of knowledge tower should be adorned by the jewels of strong ethical and moral value systems. The understanding that humans are a reflection of the Almighty should form the crux of all belief.

Learners should emerge as champions in the learning process and eventually be the crusaders of humanity and the hold aloft with pride the pennon of holistic thought and living.

PUNISHMENT

CONCEPT AND MEANING

We need to understand the concept of punishment. Often we do not understand this and it leads to a misunderstanding of the conceptual basis of any thing.

Also the word concept need to understood. While we harp upon the understanding of the concept of various things we fail to appreciate what concept by itself means. Let us, therefore, understand the meaning of the word concept.

Concept means a idea or notion

A general concept refers to a generalised idea or notion.

Whilst we wish to recognize the notion, we need to reflect upon the broad spectrum of the idea or notion customary about something or as the thing is usually undetstood.

The concept of punishment therefore, refers to, in the first place, the common notion that it conveys. We can effortlessly conclude that punishment in common perception and so also in common parlance refers to consequence for a wrong done or committed.

Punishment therefore means punishing or being punished or in other words loss or suffering, inflicted or undertaken.

An important aspect that gets pertinent by its loud silence is  – in the very concept of punishment there is the scope of understanding of the end it is required to achieve.

We must confess that most of us have never thought of it. If at all sometime, this thought has ventured over our sleeping conscious, we have taken enough care to allow it flash by or die unnoticed and uncared.

This is the basic reason why we have not been able to address our problems and solve the evils and ills of the social bazaar by way of punishments.

If punishments were to root out the decay, the tough provisions of punishment and at the most a few implemented would have severed the society from its ills and rendered it pure and tranquil. It should be noted that it did not happen in the past, it does not happen in the present, it will never happen in the future.

What then is the importance and need of punishement. Why should then there be any punishment at all?  The questions and many more naturally emerge.

Punishment, in the form that they are generally understood and implemented, are basically a revenge tool, a revenge mechanism.  When exercised on an individual on a personal basis, they are terrmed antisocial, unsocial and illlegal and when channelised through the panel of jury they are said to be authorised legal and justified,

It is in this backdrop of punishment and its existence and practise that we are to see the relevance or the lack of it in shaping and planning the society and securing the the social constituent – the member of the society, the man the human being – for betterment and peace.

Having understood this concept of the general form of acceptance of the term we can now go ahead to formulate the case for or against it and also gauge the other shades of the concept of punishment.

ORIGIN

When I refer to the origins, I do not refer to the origin of the word punishment not its language origin. My reference is to the the origin of the concept of punishment.

This concept many have originated in any term and that does concern our exercise here.  Our concern is related to the very basis that may must have led to the development of this concept.

Can we think of that basic idea, that very fundamental, that very embroynic stage that may have obligated, may have generated this whole idea of punishment.

Let us understand.

Man is generally believed to how evolved from a primitive age and style of living to the one that is in vogue today.  This evolution of civilization shall continue and surge ahead with force.  The reason – the new findings and discoveries and the always growing and expanding horizon and hegemony of science and scientific prowess.

Parallel to this evolution there has been another inportant evolution.  An eveolution that  is visible at stages  and invisible in segments. The basic reason being the visibility is evident only on observations of stages separated by extended time intervals.

Can you guess what evolution is being talked about.  This evolution is the one referre to by Darwin.

Darwin’s Theory that man has involved from the animal stage or ape stage to the present stage is quite accepted.

It is debated also but for our discussion we shall consider it accepted. Even if there are debates with respect to its feasibility, one thing is certain that in human beings we expect a departure from the general behaviour of other creatures better called and easier understood as animals. This departure is indeed there.

But another signification fact is to be noticed is a reversal to the animal stage or decline to the animal like behaviour.

This indeed, if nothing else, proves the Darwin’s theory and probably traces truly the original form or the origins of the humans today. We can very well see the animal that man was and the animal that is still in him and takes cantrol of his being quite often.

It was and still is in the animal or the animal form of creation that the exercise of authority takes places.  It is in that form that the weak is surpressed by the strong.  The weak cannot justify itself, its being, its existence. The rights of the weak are as long as the strong desires and permits it. The weak can rejoice at the pleasure of the mighty. Is this not animal behaviour. Whoever said might is right was the jungle rule – may have certainly referred to the social jungle in which the human beings dwell.  

Punishment in its original form and its basic birth must have emerged as the show of authority and power of the strong ever the weak.  If must have been an attempt to project the strength of the strong and also to lay threadbare the weakness of the weak, the helplessness of the weak.

Punishment  basically must have originated from the animal instinct of ruling by might.  If must have emerged from the jungle law might is right.  The strong is correct the weak is wrong.

INTENTION AND PURPOSE

We have referred to the concept and origin of punishment and now we need to focus on the purpose.

Why punishment? This is a very essential question and we need to attend to its importance.  

We must work to find an answer to the why because we need to know, rather we must know, the reason behind doing anything.  We ought to outline the expectation that is there in us and it is then that we shall be able to guide our actions in the desired direction.

What is the purpose of punishement?  

What can be the purpose of punishement after all? 

Well, if we go into the depth purpose, may be we shalll find it exalted rather illustrious. The purpose it quite praiseworthy for it carries within its fold a very humane colour. The purpose is for the larger good of the society as a whole hence certainly also for the individual who is the wrong doer or the malefactor.

The purpose is ensuring non-repetition of undesired speech, act or behaviour and thereby betterment.

Our sole intent in awarding any punishment or punishing anyone is our virtuous hope and wish that the sppech, action, behaviour or whatever that is adverse or unwelcome is not repeated and thereby it is implied – anything which is  not desired is not good and if it is punishment shall initiate and later augment betterment.

It is the ultimate change towards good that we all desire.  It is this sacrosanct belief that may have granted sanction to use of punishment.

In the ancient history we shall find that the theoretical purpose was always as said above. The advocates of punishment today also agree to the betterment aspect. Even those who argue vehementaly against punishment cannot but accept that the purpose is indeed towards goodness, away from bad or evil in the interest of the individual and the social commune as a whole. Thus we can see an lofty purpose established.

METHOD

How we do a thing is very important.  It is true that the end should be well thought of before we indulge into any action but at the same time the means should be thought of equally well.  

It is important to give the means its due for Gandhiji rightly said that the right ends need to be achieved through the right means.  

Any end, however chaste, exalted and pure it may be, losses its charm and gets rendered rudderless if the means requisitioned to acquire it or get to it is worthy- i.e. good and acceptable. The problems that we are refereing to lie in the method that is adopted in punishing or the methods of punishment or the ways in which the wrong doers are is punished.

Reflect upon the punishments that we and may have got during those days when we were prone to err and often we revisited our wrongs and let ourselves into those enticements and hence were subject to punishments.

If you can, recall how actually the punishments were carried out.  

Also can you think and give the most common undercurrent that formed the soul of almost every punishment. You should be able to do so. We all should be able to locate that common shade present in all punishments. When I say all punishments I refer to all forms of punishment.

From ages past to the times present we have seen and cannot but accept that the one who punishes is the one who is the master, the one who holds authority, the one who carries might, the one who dares other’s and the one who has others subordinated to him.

Punishment is the sport of the powerful over the weak. The weak are mere game to the powerful or the mighty – only to be played upon at their will.

At this juncture let me very well classify that indulging into erroneous jobs and performing wrong deeds renders one weak and weak chiefly when one does’nt possess the meetle to protect one’s action and thus one’s own future.

We have the Roman history and other allied historical accounts that recount horrible and bloody punishments awarded and carried for those who were criminals or those who were merely weak and thus rendered victims for no foult of theirs. The fault did actually lie in their status, their creation and thus the Creator.

The method of punishment has always been oppressive in nature and presentation.  Punishment has always been noted to show the power of the one who is punishing and the helplessness of the one being punished.  Punishment has always been a show of strength, a display of might, a picture of conquest of the strong and always picture of the suffering of the weak.

Be it legal or any other punishment we find the same element evident in some measure in all.  All forms of punishments reflect that it is a tool in the hands of the priviledged to be used at will or purpose to demounce the act, thought or being of anyone who is not priviledged or not as much priviledged.  It is rather a proof of the existence of the mighty and the weak and eternal triump of the former over the latter.

OUTCOME OR END RESULT

The outcome of punishment is very easy to understand and easier to feel. The outcome is very much like intention or the purpose. The outcome is indeed seen as a restriction of the undesired act or behaviour or behaviour pattern.

This brake on the repetition of a certain action or behaviour pattern may be because of two inportant things either fear or reform.

The methodology o the punishment makes it amply clear that the first one FEAR is the main reason in most cases rather than REFORM which is rare.

Fear therefore  ensures non-repetition because of the impending possiblity of being apprehended and punished.

If this is the end result achieved, punishment has really nothing to do with social setup or societal need, it has no concern, whatsoever, with civilization and progressive thinking. If it has any relation, it is the strong bonding with barbarisom and punishment is a reflection of revenge rather than pardon.

Punishment should basically aim to reform.  The reform should be the reinforcement that shall withhold persons from repeating any form of undesired behaviour pattern.  If the check is not because of a change that make the individual be focused on the act or the deed and realize that his act or behaviour pattern has been undesirable, then the change is useless for it is very temporal and certainly it leaves enough scope and room of repetition of the way of thought in some other form, in same other act, in some other behaviour pattern.

The end result is indeed good if it brings about a reform in the thinking pattern, in the reasoning pattern and thereby in the entire being of the individual.

Punishment should be aimed at change.  But the change in meaningless if it is because of fear and if it is temporary.  It is meaningless if it is to avoid punishment.  It is meaningful only if it is because the individual feels compelled about the change because of realization and adoptsthe change at his own free will for his good and that of others.

THE CONTRADICTION

The contradiction of the spirit in which the end result is achieved mars or puts a question  mark on the very justification of punishment in any form.

Punishment said to be exemplary are awarded to set examples. They eventually end up creating a fear pshychosis and do not affect any change of heart or mind that is feeling or reasoning.

Besides, the exemplary punishments do no good to the one being punished for what justification is there to make one the victim for others to take a lesson.  The very use of the term exemplary coneys the fact that probably such punishement was not required at all. Such punishment was not required for the kind of the wrong done – and thus the punishment renders itself unethical. Fools that we are, we expect to import lessons and set up examples with things that are unethical and against morals.

In our zeal to reform, we have adulterated punishment with nothing but revenge motive.  The adulteration has been so much and for so long that it has completely over taken the concept of punishment.

To legitimise our act of punishing we have formulated codes of conduct and made provisions of punishment therein.  We have also devoloped legal systems and secured written the folds of legality various kinds and types of punishments ranging from minor reprimands to death penalities, capital sentences.  How for this is justified ? How for we the makes of this society are justified is a question yet unanswered and so shall is remance.

PRESENT STATUS

In light of the discussions so for it is important to assess  punishment as it is now- in tts present form or status.  The relevance of the aspect magnifies in context of the changing society and more than the physical changes the change in the values.

It is worthy to note that care, concern and cousciousnesspertaining to punishments is on the rise.  The entire issue has become a matter of serious human concern and thus it has become the centre of a fierce on going debate.

It is a trying concern and the crying need of the day that leads us to this discussion that we have had so far and whatever more we shall have of it.  Our deliberation on the varous aspects of punishment is proof enough that we have opinious and that we do feel that our views be registered.  

This society today looks upon punishment as a vital element is social and human emancipation. Growth cannot happen without proper social order. Probably, punishments are seen as tools furthering social order.

Do we realize the hollowness of development and growth in the wake of a punishment happy social order. Do we not see our progress as humans stand scoffed at and rejected with punishments continuing as a part of the human society. Reason for this is very simple – punishments basically strike at the very root of values today and question their being humane at all.

The result of the realization of redundancy of punishments is its decline.  There is a reduction in instances of punishment and certainly a lot of thought is being put into before awarding any.  Well, the legal system is still intact.  Punishments were originally meant for the penal code are very much in vogue but definitely these is an outcry our against that too.

At this juncture it would be worth taking a digression with regard to legal punishments or punishments partaining to the penal code.

The digression is to focus a small section of our understanding in observing the concept of government and governance.

Goverment is a body put forth by the society to regulate the society i.e. to ensure governance.  It is this governance that endorses legislations for the security of the common man.  These punshments or deterrants are what we find in the penal code of governance.  

This, however does  not justify the existence of punishment, specially if the are not reform oriented. However, we do find that the focus now is shifting from mere penalty to a reform ended eventual outcome.

The reform ended outcome has indeed developed to a great extent in certain sections of the legal panel code and they are bearing sweet fruits as well.

Thus the digression helps us understand that even the most essential or as thus understood and advocated section of the need of existence and practise of punishment has also begun disintegrating.  The rigidities are shifting into the background making way to flexibilities and experimentation.

Punishments therefore exists, yet their very being is on the contemplation platform and it is doing nothing less than making it milder and thereby eroding its area of exercise.     

NEED AND PURPOSE

Need refers to the situation where semothing becomes inperative. This is a situation that indicates difficulty without the said need and this difficulty is not a mere inconvenience but one that hampers your proper everyday living in the very basic manner.

Purpose as we all know refers to the end we wish to achieve. Purpose is the goal that is eventually aspired as the end of a chain of actions at the culmination of any effort.

With regard to the punishment let us find the need.

Need is the very basic requirement we have just said – then is it true that punishment is a very basic requirement.

We refer to punishment when we find someone or something deviating  from the path designed. The path may refer to regulations, conduct and the like which help govern and maintain any system.

But the significant question here is – should punishment be used to change or simply stop a certain mode of behaviour.  If the latter is the goal the purpose is very mean and narrow hence quite limited.  This deferrent nature can never ever convert the bad’s of the society into good. This will, for the weak, create a fear and for those with strength, the same doing shall be a challenge. Punishments shall remain and contiune to plague the offenders but neither the offence nor the offenders shall decline in number.

Whereas, if the purpose is to change the very method of behaviour or habit and streamline the same into one that conforms to the norms and levels of acceptability then indeed it it well intended.  Conversely for such an intention why punishment at all. In such a case the need is to rejuvenate the confidence of the individual in the established accepted frame because some where, it is the fall of this confidence that makes anyone tred the path on the otherside.  Therefore, if the need be reform, punishment need not be taken resource to at all.

We can, as a result, realize that punishment cannot be accepted as an aspect of the civilized society nor is it any tool worth the while to ensure civilization.  Punishment is not needed if the purpose is the ultimate good of the individual and the society thereby.

However, we still have ample examples of punishments and we often resort to them.  Do we not need to rethink our ways, our actions and rearrange our methods of developing a setup that is uniform and not fed on fear. The force of  fear can stop things temporarily but can never change permanently. We ought to remember what is stopped forcefully  strives to break free, break loose.

The present society does not actually need any description because we all are its members and constituents.  Further, if we reflect we shall find that we are also the ones who frame, guide and forward the society.

When I talk of ‘We’ I refer to the entire lot of humans who belong to the society in reference, but on second thought I feel, “We” may also refer to “us” the class that has brain the class that is intellectual.

The present society in all its forms is accepted as a civilized and modern society, progressive in thought and action and comprehansive in its acceptance of norms.

Then question is – why do we need to actually understand this society which is so well understood? What is that we need to understand more?

These questions are genuine.  Certainly we do not need to understand anything more but we need to reflect whether the concept we harbour is indeed the correctly understood concept or not.

Let us come back to the earlier reference we had made the  – society is civilized, modern, progressive and comprehensive.

Of the four adjectives the key is ‘civilized’ How do we understand civilization?

The term is understood as a stage when the human or any living settlement is arranged in a methodical way based on certain norms designed as per needs basic comforts and luxuries.

Now, we have with us a very complex situation – the methodical ways!
The methodical ways are also painful and difficult.
Does civilization then refer to difficulties?  
Well, we may refer to difficulties as restrictions.  
Why the restrictions to help members remain civilized?
To help remain civilized hints at the fact that they may roll back to the uncivilized state.
Well if it is so, can we call our society really civilized?

 In my opinion no.

It is a society that is basically barbaric but feigning civilization. The desire of existence is forcing man to adhere to norms which may be to the like or may not be.  If some people think this being civilized, I do not contest such a claim. But certainly the daily life and living between the good and the bad clearly signals the present society as both civilized and barbaric.  A lot, therefore, remains to be done.

 SOCIAL NEED

One the primary needs of the society today is its capability to provide security and facilitate  individual existence. We do not suffer much from the lack of the physical wants such as food, cloth and shilter but our actual suffering emerges from the extreme sense of insecurity that has enveloped us.

 We are also in the grip of the fear of losing what is rightfully ours.

 Let me tell you that it is this fundamental fear that makes a person most uncomfortable and this is the basic trouble that one encounters.

 Undoubtedly, we need to ensure security. Ways of implementing this security or sense of security many  be numerous but often we see punishments as a very good tool.

 The questions that needs to be addressed is – does the fear of punishment amongst us actually fosters  the sense of security as well.  We have strict punishments but crimes continue and problems emerge.  If there is a check at any time or any place, it is because of the fear created by the very thought of punishment.

 We can very easily conclude that punishments are just deterrants. Punishments can actually stop a certain mode of action but they cannot actually affect the thought.

 As long as this situation continues, punishments shall never be the ultimate solution to social security.  Punishments shall only plague the society with the concept of punishing the wrong doer and allowing the act go unattended.

 The society shall continue with its problems and no amount of punishment, however intense in degree and painful in terms of form and time, shall ever be able to rid the society of its ills The need, therefore, the crying need of the day is to develop, through research, a mode of check that is a facilitater, a pathfinder, a channel that provides a solution and solace in the solution.

 We need today a code that is not penal but reformative.  A penal code is at best revengeful and at worst beastly. It can never help a human being or a humane thought. Let’s discard it in favour of a self tendering emotional method.

 METHODOLOGY and PUNISHMENTS

We see in the present society and so has it been since times immemorial and thus shall it remain for all times to come – punishments aim at torture.

 Torture is inflicting pain that may be either physical or mental but the end remains the same – inflicting pain.

 Can we actually claim to be normal humans if we are fond of inflicting pain.  But this is the methodology that is seen and practised.

 Sometimes, rather often, I would say, the infliction of the pain is beastly with no concern at all for the man who is a human being.

 It is really foolish for anyone to expect good by inflicting bad. The bad may be just a return for some bad but the question is in the irony that we expect one to become good after receiving the bad.  This has never hoppened nor shall it happen ever.

 As long as torture is the touchstone of punishment the society shall continue with the tragedies of evil and punishments shall continue as acts of revenge nothing more, nothing less.

 WHAT SHOULD BE THE APPROACH?

We need to understand that punishments do not mean revenge. Punishments do not mean inflicting or causing pain. Punishments are never a practical shape to the beastly thoughts we harbour.

 We need to look at punishments not as the mode of showing power, authority and might but as an act aimed at betterment.  This betterment can be achieved through realization of flaw or the wrong of the act committed, its bad aspects because an act for which one is punished may not any good aspect at all.
Punishment should aim at being an eye opener for the one to whom it is given, in order to help the individual understand what to do and what not to do.

 This should be the only aspect of punishment and this is also the end motive. Despite the awareness of the above, we fail to inplement the same.

 Elimination of the malefactor may not necessarity be the end of the wrong doing but elimination of the wrong feeling can certainly bring about an end to the wrongs being committed everyday here in this society that we call civilized.

 Punishments should aim at the root of wrongs – the wrong notions. It is this root that keeps sprouting its wicked shoot time and again.

 The approach to be adopted for punishments, i.e. while awarding punishments, should be primarily motivated by the concern of the receiver of the punishment. The object of the wrath of punishment should be of considered with empathy.

 We may have to adopt an approach that actually gives credit to the malefactor by the fact that we may have to look at the act from the point of its doer.

 This approach can be termed as the Humanistic Appproach – an approach that gives importance to the life and living of human beings with humans features. Humans features refer to a host of holistic feelings and concerns alongwith activities that eventually help adopt a human friendly approach in all that we say or do.

 If we are able to identify, establish and being the practice of the humanistic approach, there might be some struggle initially but eventually the whole system shall emerge with resounding trumpets of success.

 PUNISHMENT at SCHOOL

Punishment in schools of the day also talk of  the punishment that is corporal, physical with very less or no mental involvement.

 Can we the refer to such punishment as tools to modify and motivate prejudiced. No not at all.

 None can ever expect the betterment of a prejudiced mind.  And thus is the situation.  This situation is more volatile and tense because of the fact that it concerns young children who are ever bubbling with spirit bathed in the spring of energy and stamina both of physique and emotion. Should we then
discharge the punishments the way we do?

 The question is simple but the answer complex complex because the immediate question that rises – If not the way it is long then how else?

 This how else is important. Before that we need to understand why not the way we do?

 The answer is  – in the way we do now, our rash acts of punishing a child, we cause a permanent scar on the pure mental frame of the young individual thus affecting his thinking. Besides, awarding punishments is also a lesson in teaching how to punish.

 We may stop a temperory act for the time being but actually we blemish the thought process of the child and thus we help the germination of the beast in the young soul.

 These and many other reasons are enough to prove that punishments, the way they are today, need to be stopped immediately.

 Here begins the search for the other paths and the other ways to help check and stop untoward behaviour in a child.

 For this search we need to frame some ethics some guidelines so that we keep to the path and do not wander away in our search of the punishment ethical.  

 Well we can first of begin with the listing of the ethics or guidelines rather the ethical guidelines some of them can be as below

1. Remember, that the approach is humanastic
2. Remember that the act concerns human beings
3. Remember that you too are a human being.
4. Ensure that you understand humanistic approach
5. Check if you know the concept of humans well.
6. Ensure your capability and preparedness for framing the guidelines
7. Check if you are equipped well enough with requisite experience and interaction
8. Ensure that you can rightly recall you past
9. Check upon your reactions to punishments given to you while you were a child
10. Be bold to quit fast if you feel you lack or have incapability on any of the nine fronts
11. Being on the task

Now, here beings the types of punishments that should be envolved for school children and atonistingly we shall discover that there is none to proceed to the eleventh step and actually take on the charge of framing punishments.

The reason is none like punishments for one reason or the other.  Our acts of punishing others are more of an expression of our frustration at our forture of not achieving what we ought to. We wish to camouflage this failure, we wish to cover up this failure with the hashness of talk and action so as to supress the. Our acts are an expression our  disappointment as we witness our failures.

Infact, we use punishments as shortcuts to the reach goals entrusted in our us.  These shortcuts indeed cut short the