Second Exam Prompt

Philosophy 330: Second Exam

General Directions: Your response to these questions should be typed, double-spaced with 10-12 point font and 1” margins. In answering the questions do not spend time introducing the issue, but get straight to the question being asked. This exam is due in in my mailbox in the Philosophy Department or via email by Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 5:00 PM. If you email me the exam, it must be as an attachment in .doc, .rtf, or .pdf format.

Part I: Answer the following questions. Your answer for each question should be no more than two pages. Each question is worth 10 points.
  1. On page 287 of our text Szasz argues, "Our present concept of drug abuse articulates and symbolizes a fundamental policy of scientific medicine..." What does he mean by this? What does he think should be done in response to this situation?
  2. Pick one of the "Facts" presented in the USDEA report that was not discussed in class and examine the assumptions and biases underlying it (following the example I presented in lecture). I am particularly interested in whether or not you find that the reasons presented in the report support the "Fact" in question.
  3. What does Shapiro mean by "setting" in his modified account of addiction? What arguments or facts does he present in making the case that a model of addiction should include "setting"? 
Part II: Evaluate California's Proposition 19 from the perspectives of Mill and Dworkin. In answering this question, be sure to first articulate the respective philosophical positions of Mill and Dworkin. Pay particular attention to the accounts they give of when a law can be considered legitimate. Then, apply these accounts to Proposition 19. Finally, what is your personal opinion of this issue? Your answer should take the form of an articulate, well-written essay of 3-4 pages (typed, double-spaced with 10-12 point font and 1” margins). This question is worth 20 points.

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