What if criminal behavior was "cured"?

Suppose technology becomes available that allows bad people to be "cured". Instead of going to prison for decades or being executed, for example, a murderer has his brain adjusted. Now cured, there is no reason to punish (beyond the forcible mind surgery). These people are released into society.

How would that affect social interactions and day-to-day business? Imagine your doctor admitting, "yea, I killed 13 people in high school, but I'm perfectly adjusted now".

I envision that these very people would be among the best of society! After all, people have a natural spectrum of behavior, but if you are going to "repair" a mind you won't stop half way, right? You will make it as "good" as you can. And these people will have some feeling to make up for their previous self and make a positive influence on society, more so than the average person.

Edit: a number of answers and comments have raised the issue of abuse by a distopian or opressive government. But it generally implies that it would allow such a government to exist. But, such a government can imprison or kill people now for the same ends.

posted almost 9 years ago

JDługosz‭

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