Explain the Problem
Chemicals that intentionally change the way we feel when added to the bloodstream, taken often for pleasure and commonly leading to addiction
What are recreational drugs?
Theory that argues developing virtuous habits leads to making moral choices and achieving a good life
What is virtue theory?
An agreement between the people of a government and their governors that outlines the exchange of some freedoms for order
What is the social contract?
The ethical theory that the morality of an action is determined by it's impact only
What is consequentialism?
The system that I believe best structures both sides of the debate of drug restriction
What is social contract theory?
A disease that prompts repeated compulsive consumption of drugs despite often harmful outcomes, including: harm to others, harm to oneself, poor decision making, reckless action, and health complications
What is drug addiction?
The virtue of moderation and self control, finding the balance between excess and deficiency
What is temperance?
The social contract provides a basis for exchanging the freedom of unrestricted drug use for the benefit of public welfare
What is the relationship between the social contract and drug use restriction?
The ethical theory that the best action is the action that produces the most individual happiness and pleasure, minimizing suffering
What is utilitarianism?
Arguing drug restriction is harmful to the general welfare and therefore needs to be restricted by the government AND Arguing drug restriction infringes on natural liberty to make individual choices
What is the reasons social contract theory represents on both sides of the drug restriction debate?
An argument that supports banning drugs due to the impact of drug addicts on those in any way related to them, including crime, violence, abuse, homicide, and emotional impact.
What is the Harm to Others Argument?
Autonomy, Liberty, Individualism
What are virtues opposing the restriction of drugs?
What is the argument for the restriction of drugs under the social contract?
The claim that drug use often leading to greater overall suffering makes it immoral
What is the argument against drug use using utilitarianism/consequentialism?
A semi-restricted stance in which the government manages the production and distribution of drugs (with strict regulation) instead of fully banning drugs
What is a possible solution concerning the drug restriction debate using social contract theory?
An argument for the government prohibiting drug use because of it's high chance for serious harm on individual addicts and from their actions
What is the Paternalism Argument?
Temperance, Prudence, Responsibility
What are virtues supporting the restriction of drugs?
The claim that the government over restricting drug use infringes on individual liberty
What is the argument against the restriction of drug use under the social contract?
The claim that drug use reduces suffering for the user and ill-legalizing drug use will spike incarceration rates and black market activity (causing greater harm)
What is the argument against restricting drug use using utilitarianism/consequentialism?
Virtue theory put equal priority on each virtue, and can be used equal to find a solution for either side. Social contract theory prioritizes the safety of the general population above all else.
What are the reasons social contract theory structure the drug restrictions conflict better than virtue theory?
The argument that the government does not have the authority to punish people for taking drugs because taking drugs is a moral right
What is the Rights Argument?
What is drug use seeks immediate pleasure and eudaimonia seeks long term well being.
The difference between temporary pleasure and long term well being
What is the difference/contradiction between drug use and eduimonia?
The idea that policy should be decided by the well being of the greatest number of people
What is the impact of utilitarianism/consequentialism on public policy?
Utilitarianism/consequentialism values the general impact of an action to judge it's morality, and obviously the impact of drugs is often majorly negative. To balance the individual rights of citizens and the role of government, social contract theory is better to use in shaping policy.
What are the reasons social contract theory structure the drug restrictions conflict better than utilitarianism/consequentialism?