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Epictetus argues against the death penalty

Massimo Pigliucci · 27 Oct 2026

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  1. Our reading

    Epictetus argued against the death penalty.

    Their wordsIn this essay, I want to argue that Epictetus also pretty explicitly argued against the death penalty — then very common practice in the Roman world — in a famous passage of the Discourses.

  2. Our reading

    Treating a wrongdoer as mistaken rather than evil is compatible with stopping them from doing further harm.

    Their wordsThere is no contradiction in saying that someone is sick rather than evil, and yet taking measures so that he is in no position to keep stealing.

  3. Our reading

    Recidivism is lower under reform-oriented incarceration than under harsh retributive systems like the American one.

    Their wordsAnd just in case you are wondering, the incidence of recidivism is lower than that of harsh retributive approaches like the American “justice” (really, revenge) system.

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