Date of Award
8-8-2017
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Dr. Peter Lindsay
Second Advisor
Dr. Dan Weiskopf
Third Advisor
Dr. George Rainbolt
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Kyle Frantz
Abstract
Recreational drug use, whether publicly acknowledged or privately hidden, has long been a common activity within human societies. Though this comes with serious hazards, it also produces benefits, which often go unrecognized. Given the current prohibitory policies, it is important to consider whether such use ought to be restricted. I will do just that, focusing on whether recreational drug use can be part of a reasonable conception of the good life, as well as whether restrictions constitute an infringement on freedom. I will argue that, in moderation, recreational drug use constitutes a positive good for a large group of people, and that criminalization places an unfair burden upon these people, which breaches the liberal principle of neutrality.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/10189609
Recommended Citation
Goldstein, Benjamin, "Political Chemicals: Drugs, Rights, and the Good Life." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2017.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/10189609