Graduation Year

2019

Date of Submission

12-2018

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Philosophy and Public Affairs

Second Department

Philosophy

Reader 1

Alex Rajczi

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© Marion Goldberg

OCLC Record Number

1089197022

Abstract

This thesis provides a framework to understand and apply the philosophical principles of paternalism to determine the most reasonable actions states can take in regard to marijuana legalization. As matters currently stand in U.S. policy, states must decide whether they will prohibit, decriminalize, or legalize marijuana. First, I will give a brief history of marijuana regulations and societal perceptions in the United States. Second, I will define and differentiate concepts of illegalization, decriminalization, and legalization from one another. Third, I will summarize and analyze Joel Feinberg and Sarah Conly's arguments against and for paternalism, respectively. I will conclude by applying the strengths of each philosopher's arguments with respect to the marijuana debate to offer a policy that is both just and effective.

Download

This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

Share

COinS