Final answer:
Punishment by contingent application refers to operant conditioning, where unwanted behaviors are discouraged through specific punishments, aligning with behavioral modification theories such as the law of effect and Skinner's work.
Step-by-step explanation:
Punishment by contingent application is akin to operant conditioning, where a specific consequence (punishment) is given immediately after an undesirable behavior to decrease the chances of that behavior being repeated. For instance, a child receiving a time-out after taking a sibling's toy is an example of such contingent punishment. This is based on the principles of behavior modification, notably laid out by B.F. Skinner and Edward Thorndike, where behaviors are influenced by the consequences that follow them.
Skinner's idea of reinforcements and punishments and Thorndike's law of effect elucidate that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences are less likely to occur again. In the justice system, the alignment with the Eighth Amendment ensures that punishment and bail are set to be just and not excessive, thus encouraging an enlightened approach to handling the incarcerated and deterring unwanted behaviors.
Medieval punishments, the use of physical punishment on children, and the societal implications of punishment demonstrate the varied approaches and consequences of punitive actions throughout history.