Abstract

Alan Donagan's systematization of traditional Hebrew-Christian morality (in "The Theory of Morality") is presented in some detail, and it is shown that this provides a fruitful framework for a discussion of the morality of capital punishment. The strengths of Donagan's theory are indicated by comparing it with chief alternatives, both secular (Section II) and religious (Section IV). Finally, a policy proposal is offered for structuring a re-consideration of the morality of capital punishment in contemporary circumstances, given both the strengths of Donagan's framework and the residual difficulties in employing it to deal with the issue.