Reflections on the Guillotine

Historical Context and Significance

«Reflections on the Guillotine» is an essay by French writer and philosopher Albert Camus, condemning the death penalty. Camus wrote this work based on personal experiences and the social context of mid-20th century France, when debates about capital punishment were particularly relevant. The essay was published in 1957, shortly after Camus was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. In the work, the author analyzes the historical, social, and philosophical aspects of the death penalty, speaking against it as an act of deliberate violence by the state. Camus argues that execution is not only useless in preventing crimes but also morally unacceptable. The essay had a significant impact on public opinion and contributed to the formation of anti-death penalty stances in various cultures, supporting international discussions on human rights and dignity.