I think there are a number of non-rational (or pre-rational) motivations that drive many forms of punishment as well.
Revenge. Evolved/Naive tit-for-tat strategy.
Envy. Reduction in feeling the unfairness of someone getting away with something.
Spite. Any chance to hurt someone, with some socially-acceptible justification.
Focus on “other”. Punishment is a good way to frame the target as out-group, and to be closer friends with the people helping to punish.
I think there are a number of non-rational (or pre-rational) motivations that drive many forms of punishment as well.
Revenge. Evolved/Naive tit-for-tat strategy.
Envy. Reduction in feeling the unfairness of someone getting away with something.
Spite. Any chance to hurt someone, with some socially-acceptible justification.
Focus on “other”. Punishment is a good way to frame the target as out-group, and to be closer friends with the people helping to punish.