Is the use of corporal punishment on children ever justified? If so, what conditions make its use justifiable? These questions are at the heart of this thesis. They will be primarily addressed within these subjects: philosophical theories of punishment, rights theory and law, and pragmatism. In addition, the opening chapter assesses the concept of corporal punishment amidst the backdrop of cultural relativism. The closing chapter will consist of a critical evaluation of the arguments by philosopher, David Benatar, who is a proponent of its use under certain conditions.
