Drug Trade: Its Functionality as a Business and Place in Society

...

On the other hand, Plato’s main opponent Thrasymachus introduces an opposing point of view in terms of his philosophical method. He seeks an entirely different definition to the ethical choice. He assumes that where choice is concerned the human being has two possibilities: to either choose virtue or happiness. The two are always opposing concepts and therefore, mutually exclusive. Thrasymachus champions the latter as he believes a person should indulge in his bodily desires even if he evades the law. In fact the only thing Thrasymachus believes this person should be careful of is getting caught.. In terms of legislation, he rejects all forms of legal limitations as he suggests that they are not just so long as the ruler behind them is pursuing a personal agenda in the matter. This concept can be interpreted today in the state’s utmost interest guiding the legislative decisions, rather than the majority’s needs and demand. Considering the Thrasymachus standpoint, drug trade should continue to exist even as an illicit business, so long as people demand it.

Another Greek thinker- Aristotle, offers a third perspective on the issue. He claims that “man is a rational animal”. What sets man from the animal however, is his freedom of will, morality, creative thinking etc. Without any religious or scientific biases, the thinker merely observes patterns in society in order to treat relevant concepts. He is a proponent of appealing to reason instead of legislation. In his viewpoint people can be convinced to lay off drugs, but consenting adults must have the right of choice.

Aristotle however, identifies four criteria for a good life: activity, rationality, virtue and health. He also identifies four dysfunctionalities in human behavior: self-indulgement, incontinency, physically illness or damage, and bad habit. A person practicing these four dysfunctionalities fails to pursue the concepts of “good life” as he is in direct contradiction. As all four fouls can be identified in addictive behavior, we can deduce that substance abuse takes away man’s rationality.

The thinker also introduces the importance of “greatness of one’s soul” as the ultimate virtue. In the pursuit of this virtue some men have privileges among others. Here Aristotle’s view separates from Plato’s: he believes that being born “well” can substantially “assist” in the process of achieving greatness, merely because it helps men feel they are “worthy of honor”. However, the thinker points out that even with money and power, there is one fundamental condition- only a good person can be great (Aristotle, 350 B.C.E.).

By applying Aristotle’s concepts to drug trading, we can identify two main fouls in its existence as a business. Firstly, considering the harm on health, free will, rationality, etc. substance abuse inflicts on a human’s being, drugs cannot categorize as virtuous or ethical. Secondly, as a business, drugs bring great profit to those trading, but having in mind they rob people from their rationality- render their distributers ineligible for greatness. Therefore, we can conclude that according to Aristotle drug trade is unethical.

In conclusion, and through the examination of philosophical and ethical perspectives, I have established that drug trade is of little value to society in its current state. While considered a criminal act, it brings about tragedies. Substance abuse brings instant gratification to the individual, but dulls his vital senses and abilities. The act proves to be harmful to both the body and mind, and thus becomes condemned by philosophical proponents of reason and moral. However, people should be able to make a rational decision by being given the freedom of choice. In such case the state is encouraged to extend its legislation in order to make way to a basic human right of freedom. On the other hand, making profit on illicit goods does not fulfill the primary purpose of a business or organization due to the following reasons: It is indicated that a business in its core holds responsibility to earn profit, but it also holds responsibility to trade on good products.

References:

- Plato, 380 B.C., The Repubic. Available at: http://www.idph.net/conteudos/ebooks/republic.pdf

- Aristotle, 350 B.C.E., Nicomachean Ethics. Available at: http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/nicomachaen.1.i.html

- Investopedia, 2017. Available at:

http://www.investopedia.com/

- United Nations, Economic and Social Consequences of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 1998. Available at:

https://www.unodc.org/pdf/technical_series_1998-01-01_1.pdf

- Pacia, Sara, October 16,2016, Story in numbers war on drugs. Available at:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/825678/story-in-numbers-war-on-drugs

- CNN library, December 19,2016. Mexico Drug War Fast Facts. Available at:

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/02/world/americas/mexico-drug-war-fast-facts/