Rubin discusses the philosophy of Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Beccaria. He defines social contract as simply "being oneself." To dispense with capital punishment would lead to a more equitable carrying out of justice. To understand an offense should be the principal goal of the law. Psychoanalysis can show that a limit to punishment can facilitate selfhood. Even though punishment may be considered to be useful in helping the child in his or her development, it is seen here more as a "disease." Furthermore, the punishment makes the individual ill. Rationalizations used to justify punishment are sadomasochistic acts. It is implied that only if one accepts punishment, can one be rehabilitated. Thus the aim of punishment should be to provide opportunities for offenders to join in their own reform.