Czeck Republic

Allocated Freedom

The debate between Szasz and Gooding in regards to the morality of drug use is a matter that we rarely find ourselves pondering to, because it is looked at as a given and definite answer. But there is nothing that is definite as there is nothing that is absolutely precise- there is always room for an argument and a second opinion. Szasz argues that it is our constitutional right to use any drug as much as we please without being persecuted by anyone. He argues that even though the consequences of using high quality narcotics such as cocaine, morphine, heroin, marijuana may cause harm to our body it should still be your decision whether to use the drug because it is our body and we have the right to do anything we want to it. Therefore a logical conclusion can be drawn that it is unreasonable to deny an adult drugs because he may commit and act of suicide or accidently overdose. Szasz continues to say that these drugs can be controlled and tolerated just as alcohol and other legalized drugs. Adults have the right to self medication and those who break the laws while using these drugs should be punished severely rather than being checked into a mental hospital; drug abuser have the same mental capacity and capabilities of many people that do not use drugs. We must decide whether to think of things collectively or individually and determine where to draw the line when it comes to our freedom.

Goodin argues that in some cases the authority needs to take control and regulate restrictions and rights for the good of their citizens. Goodin believes that some public policies that are promoted are justifiable to cause the best intended outcome. The constraints against drug abusers must be taken to save their lives even though they might value other beliefs. He also reiterates that the Paternalism method plays as deterrence for drug abusers that tends to take using to the extreme. Drugs are a life and death situation which has to be overseen by a higher authority to keep order and balance to the society.

Freedom gives us the right to act, speak and think without being constrained or hindered. This is our constitutional right and should be followed accordingly under the easiest and severest situations. We cannot and should not consider our self living in a moral society if we don't abide by our own constitution. This should not be a matter of what is good or bad for you but whether it is right or wrong. My moral view on drugs comes from the Devine command theory and Jesus from the conceptions of good. There is nothing stating whether drugs are or are not permissible. God does not include the perception that drugs should be forbidden. Since there is nothing that states that drugs are wrong- then it is plausible to draw a conclusion that permitts drug use as morally acceptable. Although there are some drugs that can cause very severe damages the vast majority of drugs can be used