Question

What is the term for Dante’s idea of eternal punishment based on the sin a person committed in life?

Answer 1

When the punishment is based on the sin one commits on earth, the punish he or she gets is proportional to the crime. An appropriate term to use in this case is redistributive justice. It is only aimed to at giving the right type and amount of punishment to a crime. The more severe the crime, the more severe the punishment what Dante is illustrating when you look at the souls are being punished for their sins in Hell. In short, the punishment fits the crime.