Quote:
Originally Posted by Hektore
Vigilantism isn't inherently different than state justice, both are forms of revenge upon a person who committed a crime.
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As an Internet Smart Guy who has read Plato's
Republic I feel pretty well obligated to call this one out. There are many theories on what constitutes justice, but the common thread is that justice is regarded as a constructive force. This places it squarely at odds with vengeance, which is destructive in nature. Justice promotes (and is integral to) a harmonious society, while vengeance is not.
This guy beat the shit out of an old man, is what this comes down to. Not a very nice old man, and maybe he deserved it. But in the end what was accomplished here? No future crime was prevented. I'd be surprised if our vigilante friend even feels any better about the crimes committed once the dust has settled. So, what?
I can't condone acts of this nature. While "the system" is imperfect in practice, it's only through a state institution working for the good of society as a whole that I feel justice can effectively be meted out. Individuals are too capricious to be reliable.