The Legalization of Drugs
This paper argues against the legalization of drugs, which has been an ongoing debate since the 1970s.
3,340 words (
approx. 13.4 pages) |
6 sources |
MLA | 2005
Published on: Jul 11, 2005
Paper Summary:
This paper discuss marijuana, crack/cocaine, tranquilizers, hallucinogens, amphetamines, heroin, alcohol, nicotine. and caffeine to provide a framework for the author's argument that the legalization of drugs can in no way be deemed ethical or moral. The author points out that caffeine is an amphetamine, but it doesn't stand out because it is legal; although the effects of overuse don't seem to be as serious as those of other "harder" drugs, caffeine can be a dangerous drug. The paper concludes that the only argument that can be used to justify the legalization of drugs is ethical formalism; therefore, with only one available argumentative system to justify drug legalization as a moral act, the author believes that the conclusion to reject the legalization is correct.
From the Paper:
"What is a drug? A drug, as defined by "Webster's Dictionary" is: (1) a substance used as a medication or in the preparation of a medication, (2) a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, (3) a substance other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body, (4) a substance that causes addiction or habituation. The fact that the definition of drugs has so many components may be the cause of why society cannot come up with an agreement about whether or not drugs should be legalized. The definition contains the medical use of drugs which in the majority of cases are pharmacological drugs that have been recognized by doctors and pharmacists and it also contains the negative side of drugs which is the fact that drugs can cause addiction or habituation and can affect the body and mind. All drugs affect the body and mind. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, and the drugs that we sometimes fail to recognize as drugs because they are so common."
The Legalization of Drugs (2012, April 01). Retrieved May 22, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Argumentative-Essay-The-Legalization-of-Drugs/59972
"The Legalization of Drugs" 01 April 2012. Web. 22 May. 2012. <http://www.academon.com/Argumentative-Essay-The-Legalization-of-Drugs/59972>