Every time I teach my introductory ethics class, I have the students read a paper by contemporary philosopher David Benatar: "Corporal Punishment," Social Theory and Practice (1998): 237-260. It almost always generates some interesting and fun discussion. Benatar argues that corporal punishment is sometimes morally permissible, given certain restrictions. He emphasizes his own distaste for the practice, but gives his own honest evaluation of the current arguments against it, and finds them lacking. (I would be interested to know from others who are more familiar with the research if new data has come to light in the last 12 years or so since the paper was written which would either support or undermine his conclusion. So, comments on this are welcome!)

I will not attempt to summarize all of the paper, but instead I'll focus on his criticisms of some of the arguments against corporal punishment that are on offer, which are also intended to support a ban on the practice in homes and schools.

First, Benatar focuses on one form of corporal punishment, defined as "the infliction of physical pain without injury." He later adds the qualification that it should be infrequent. With this in mind, then, how do the arguments against the practice fare?

Some claim that corporal punishment leads to abuse. The infliction of physical pain without injury can turn into battery and abuse, or at least increases the risk of this occurring. Benatar responds by pointing out that the research so far is inconclusive. Some studies suggest abusive parents use such punishment more than others, whereas other studies have different results. Philosophically speaking, even though some parents do use corporal punishment in an abusive way, it does not necessarily follow that it should be banned, according to Benatar. Many things, such as alcohol, can be abused, but it doesn't follow that we should ban them outright. His claim is that we should condemn the abusive use of corporal punishment, but not the non-abusive use.

A second argument against corporal punishment is that it is psychologically damaging to children. It can lead to depression, anxiety, rigidity, and lowered self-esteem. Benatar responds that while there is evidence that excessive or harsh corporal punishment can have such effects, it is not at all clear that mild and infrequent corporal punishment does.

Third, many make the argument that corporal punishment simply does not work. It does not deter children from bad behavior. Benatar raises several questions about the relevant research, but points out that there is some evidence that corporal punishment is effective for very young children (toddlers).

In a follow up to this post, I'll consider what Benatar has to say about whether or not corporal punishment teaches the wrong lesson, and give some of my own thoughts about the practice.

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