I would argue that asking people to lock their shops is a smaller cost to society than the cost of fear and of the possible loss of limbs from this procedure, and the benefit—being able to keep shops open—is small.
The costs you mentioned are also small. If the deterrent works few hands actually need to be cut off. Furthermore I would argue fear if being punished for theft (which presumably mostly applied to thieves) isn’t a significant cost to society. Furthermore, I think you’re underestimating the benefits of high implicit trust.
My reply is an answer to “Is there a difference between what’s right and what works?” I’m not trying to open the can of worms labelled “Are draconian deterrents justified?”, merely trying to show through example that what works may fall in moral grey areas. To briefly answer your comments--
If the deterrent works few hands actually need to be cut off
The effectiveness of strong deterrents is questionable#Effectiveness). Considering the links mentioned above, some cases do spring up despite the deterrent, in this particular situation. Speculatively, someone who is unable to make enough money to feed his family otherwise may take this risk.
I think you’re underestimating the benefits of high implicit trust.
There are definitely reasons that the system continues to exist. The “trust” induced by harsh laws is one of them.
The costs you mentioned are also small. If the deterrent works few hands actually need to be cut off. Furthermore I would argue fear if being punished for theft (which presumably mostly applied to thieves) isn’t a significant cost to society. Furthermore, I think you’re underestimating the benefits of high implicit trust.
My reply is an answer to “Is there a difference between what’s right and what works?” I’m not trying to open the can of worms labelled “Are draconian deterrents justified?”, merely trying to show through example that what works may fall in moral grey areas. To briefly answer your comments--
The effectiveness of strong deterrents is questionable#Effectiveness). Considering the links mentioned above, some cases do spring up despite the deterrent, in this particular situation. Speculatively, someone who is unable to make enough money to feed his family otherwise may take this risk.
There are definitely reasons that the system continues to exist. The “trust” induced by harsh laws is one of them.