alcohol debate question

how can we reconcile the fact it is neither immoral or illegal for adults to drink alcohol, however, they are responsible for their actions under its influence

Reply 1

cookiemonster15

Original post by Miawatson2

how can we reconcile the fact it is neither immoral or illegal for adults to drink alcohol, however, they are responsible for their actions under its influence

Well, I guess I would say that it's because you are making the conscious decision to consume alcohol whilst knowing the consequences it would bring.

Reply 2

Miawatson2

Original post by cookiemonster15

Well, I guess I would say that it's because you are making the conscious decision to consume alcohol whilst knowing the consequences it would bring.

its a 1200 word essay so i wish it was as simple as stating that, however it is not

Thanks though

Reply 3

BubbleBoobies

it's all about the free choice of consuming a certain amount - if you freely drink too much, then the consequences of you becoming dangerous in your behaviour stem from a free choice

Reply 4

nverjvlev

Original post by Miawatson2

how can we reconcile the fact it is neither immoral or illegal for adults to drink alcohol, however, they are responsible for their actions under its influence

I don't think you can talk about morality as if it is as black and white as facts. If any culture had a concrete and unanimous understanding of what is and isn't moral then philosophy would cease to be debated so often and heatedly.

Many people and entire people-groups choose to abstain completely from alcohol consumption indicating that they see it as immoral. I'm not saying that I think it is or isn't moral, just that you can't make blanket statements in regards to ethics.

Reply 5

domlpool

Original post by cookiemonster15

Well, I guess I would say that it's because you are making the conscious decision to consume alcohol whilst knowing the consequences it would bring.

Supposing that is the case, could someone with an addiction to alcohol be expected to take the same level of responsibility given that there is a compulsion for them to drink rather than them making a conscious decision to do so?

Reply 6

cookiemonster15

Original post by domlpool

But, saying that, when they first consumed alcohol, they must have known what might happen. ie, they can get addicted.

Reply 7

domlpool

Original post by cookiemonster15

But, saying that, when they first consumed alcohol, they must have known what might happen. ie, they can get addicted.

when someone gets into a car they know there is a risk of being involved in a car accident, that doesn't stop compensation claims because they knew there was a risk at some point.

Reply 8

cookiemonster15

Original post by domlpool

when someone gets into a car they know there is a risk of being involved in a car accident, that doesn't stop compensation claims because they knew there was a risk at some point.

Yes, there is, however, you are not always the cause of the crash.

I think that whether you are sober, or intoxicated, you should take the blame for any of your actions

Reply 9

domlpool

But couldn't you say that someone that has an addiction and is compelled to do something that is going to alter there state of mind could claim diminished responsibility for there actions whilst under the influence of that addiction.