Retributivist Or Deserts Theory: Strictly With What People Deserve, Or Merit?

The retributivist theory focuses on “strictly with what people deserve, or merit, for what they have done in the past” (7.3.1: Retributivist or Deserts Theory). Future consequences are deemed as irrelevant when executing this theory. Retributivists feels as though people should be rewarded based on what has been accomplished and the efforts put into those actions, instead of the possible future consequences. Dangerous, unpleasant, or risky work might be less attractive because there would be no incentive to do so. Essentially people are missing the additional push to do better than the rest of the crowd, limiting productivity because it only needs to be as much as the majority to receive equal effort pay. Also, lacks inspiration for workers
The application of both theories can be seen in modern culture, especially during the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. All the athletes have been rewarded to attend the games based on their efforts in prior competitions and years of training. This is their reward, the honor of representing their country and what they are good at based on the amount of inputted effort into their sport. This reward system aligns with the retributivist theory by rewarding those a chance to compete at the games. Those that stand on podiums and wear flags on their backs during the end of each event exemplify the utilitarian theory because of their ability to execute and perform during each competition. All of their efforts and training is pinned down to the seconds and minutes they have on the ice or snow. As much of an honor as attending the Olympic Games is, it is the riskier jumps and flips that is ultimately get rewarded at the end. It is their ability to executive flawless routines and runs during the necessary time that gets them at to the top of the scoreboard. Upon winning medals, the athlete’s story of their journey to the podium is highlighted. After falls and injuries and additional hours of training, they get back up and compete at the top of their game. A small glimpse of retributivist theory shows up here as well, because even though the athletes were able to perform when needed it was not without much practice and training that led them to that moment. These inspirational stories of triumph and success inspire those watching and those cheering them on, and that is the biggest reward of all. To know that their efforts along with timing of execution have turned dreams into realities. One might even consider that the best reward of winning an Olympic medal is not the fame and glory, but acknowledgement that hard work pays off and that alone inspires others to work toward