[Name]
[Date]
[PHIL-250]
The Fight Against Drug Addiction as a Moral Dilemma
A moral dilemma is a circumstance in which an individual is torn between choosing the right thing and the wrong thing. Moral dilemmas involve conflicts with the very fundamental values and principles of people. The choices people make may leave them feeling happy, relieved, guilty, burdened, or questioning their values. The decisions made in moral dilemmas are determined by ethical theories like utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and deontology. This paper discusses how a utilitarian approach responds to a moral dilemma, such as the fight against drug addiction in youths. Moral dilemmas usually force individuals to decide on the options they can live with, but any outcomes are exceedingly hostile no matter what.
The moral dilemma discussed in this case is the case of youths involved in drugs and substance use, whereby they are addicted but cannot afford to pay for their lifestyle. Therefore, they are involved in robbery and burglary to find the money for the drugs. The fight against drug addiction involves making moral and thoughtful decisions. In applying the Utilitarian theory, we need to make decisions that are based on the universal assessment of the long-term happiness, higher pleasures gained, and misery ended[1]. Consequently, complex problems like drug addiction have multifaceted solutions, and the first solution is to avoid drug addiction. These solutions require a combination of education, social outreach, law enforcement initiatives, and treatment programs before they are involved in crime.
Moral dilemmas are mostly used to assist people in thinking through the logic for their actions and beliefs[2]. In this moral dilemma of drug addiction, the Utilitarian theory assists us in a dogma path that will most effectively enhance a society that is free of ideological philosophies. Through the aim of addressing the root causes of challenges in the society, and picking the decisions that eliminate the extreme pain across the entire society, we can enhance happiness and quality of life for all its citizens impartially with rational dogmas.
[1] Kahane, Guy, Jim A.c. Everett, Brian D. Earp, Miguel Farias, and Julian Savulescu. “‘Utilitarian’ Judgments in Sacrificial Moral Dilemmas Do Not Reflect Impartial Concern for the Greater Good.” Cognition 134 (2015): 193–209
[2]. Bentham, Jeremy. “An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation.” The Collected Works of Jeremy Bentham: An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, January 1789: 7-398.