Discussion questions

• Do you think there is a definition of "drugs" better than the ones discussed in the lecture?
• What is the harm principle? Can you think of examples which seem to constitute exceptions to the harm principle?
• Paternalism is the idea that the government should protect citizens from harming themselves (like a parent). Is it compatible with the harm principle? Can you think of any objections to paternalism?
• Should all drugs be legalized? Why or why not?
• Evaluate these arguments:
  • "You should not take drugs because it is a sin."
  • "We cannot stop people from taking drugs. So we ought to allow people to take drugs legally."
  • "Decriminalization without complete legalization is not an acceptable position. If it is not a criminal offense to use drugs it should also not be a criminal offense to sell and produce drugs."
• Do you think more people would get addicted to drugs if drugs are legally available? How might this affect crime?
• How does marijuana compare with tobacco and alcohol? Can any reason be given to justify the banning of marijuana but not the other two?
• Do you agree that alcohol is different from other drugs? Do you think the differences justify the view that alcohol should be legally available but not other drugs?