[College - Philosophy 101] Critical Thinking

[MrRubix]

Re: [College - Philosophy 101] Critical Thinking

I mean it's easy enough to argue why medical marijuana should be all good and dandy. I don't think anyone would argue against that unless there were cheaper, more effective ways to get the same medical effects or better.

But then would this imply that marijuana should only be legalized for hospital use and not recreation? Personally, I see no problem with recreational use, as it would fall under the category of "things to use responsibly." If you want to avoid the other-item slippery slope, I think it might be easier to argue why recreational use might be fine if the effects aren't as harmful as the laws may imply or state. Normally things are made illegal when there is some type of damage or cost that can be dealt otherwise. What is the cost of using marijuana, and is it so bad that we need a law against it?

[devonin]

Re: [College - Philosophy 101] Critical Thinking

It was made illegal when nobody in official power knew much of anything about it, and so far, nobody has been willing to admit that they were reactionary and acted before they had proper knowledge of what it was and how it worked (Go watch 'Reefer Madness') so it remains illegal.

Prohibition is the only amendment they've -ever- repealed and making -anything- legal -after- you already explicitly made it illegal happens incredibly rarely and generally takes exceptionally large popular demand for the change.

[Jintu]

Re: [College - Philosophy 101] Critical Thinking

It was made illegal when nobody in official power knew much of anything about it, and so far, nobody has been willing to admit that they were reactionary and acted before they had proper knowledge of what it was and how it worked (Go watch 'Reefer Madness') so it remains illegal.

Prohibition is the only amendment they've -ever- repealed and making -anything- legal -after- you already explicitly made it illegal happens incredibly rarely and generally takes exceptionally large popular demand for the change.

I am confused, I find it hard to follow, could you give me tips to strengthen my argument, like which ones to omit, change, etc....

[devonin]

Re: [College - Philosophy 101] Critical Thinking

That statement was addressed at Rubix, not at you, so it wasn't really relevant to your actual questions, since we got off topic about the meta-subject of the legality of marijuana instead of the formation of a logical argument about the legality of marijuana.

[Jintu]

Re: [College - Philosophy 101] Critical Thinking

That statement was addressed at Rubix, not at you, so it wasn't really relevant to your actual questions, since we got off topic about the meta-subject of the legality of marijuana instead of the formation of a logical argument about the legality of marijuana.

Oh ok, I get it, so, my last argument seems ok right??? Pls advice

[Jintu]

Re: [College - Philosophy 101] Critical Thinking

How does this argument look? Please provide some feedbacks:

1. Because marijuana use has positive attributes, such as its medical value and use as a recreational drug with relatively mild side effects
2. Because it helps to stimulate apetite and relieve nausea in cancer and AIDS patients.
Thus,
3. Marijuana can be used as medicine
4. Since marijuana is too expensive for our justice system and should instead be taxed to support beneficial government programs
5. Since it is an established scientific fact that marijuana is not toxic to humans; marijuana overdoses are nearly impossible and
6. Because marijuana is not nearly as addictive as alcohol or tobacco
Thus,
7. It is unfair and unjust to treat marijuana users more harshly under the law than the users of alcohol or tobacco.
8. Because the illegality of marijuana makes it more valuable than if it were legal, providing opportunities for teenagers to make easy money selling it to their friends
Thus,
9. A regulated, legal market in marijuana would reduce marijuana sales and use among teenagers, as well as reduce their exposure to other drugs in the illegal market
Therefore,
10. Marijuana should be legalized

Thank you

Tony

Hello everyone, please provide some feedback on the above argument, I am submitting it tomorrow, any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks