The Fragile Equilibrium: Punishment, Mercy, and the Entropy of Societies

Sanad Aburass () and Zaid Rababaa ()
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Sanad Aburass: Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, USA
Zaid Rababaa: University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK,

RAIS Conference Proceedings 2022-2025 from Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies

Abstract: The concept of entropy, central to thermodynamics, can be applied to social systems to understand societal stability and collapse. This paper explores how social entropy, driven by increasing disorder and randomness, mirrors the lifecycle of societies from establishment to decline. Punishment and mercy are crucial elements in this context, balancing societal order and compassion. Punishment deters undesirable behaviors, ensures justice, and maintains order, while mercy humanizes justice, fostering social cohesion and rehabilitation. However, the implementation of punishment is complex, involving challenges like proportionality, consistency, effectiveness, and ethical considerations. Psychological aversion to punishment, rooted in the fear of pain, complicates its application, leading to resistance, demands for leniency, and public perception issues. Mercy, defined as compassion or forgiveness towards someone within one's power to punish, plays a critical role in tempering justice with empathy. The paper categorizes mercy into four types based on personality: balanced, narcissistic, self-flagellating, and psychopathic, each influencing societal dynamics and law enforcement differently. A balanced approach to punishment and mercy is essential for maintaining social stability. Excessive mercy, however, can lead to social stratification, lawlessness, undermining deterrence, and eroding public trust. The concept of "narcissistic empathy," a self-serving form of empathy, can impact legal outcomes and societal trust in the justice system. Achieving a nuanced and adaptive balance between punishment and mercy is crucial for sustaining a just and cohesive society, where both justice and compassion are upheld. This balance helps societies counteract the natural progression towards disorder, ensuring long-term stability and harmony.

Keywords: Punishment; Mercy; Entropy of Societies; Social Order; Balance; Social Systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 9 pages
Date: 2025-04
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Published in Proceedings of the 39th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, April 17-18, 2025, pages 33-42

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