Principles for Resolving the Premodern-Modern Controversy Over Drug Legalization

Most representatives of the premodern worldview would argue against drug legalization on the grounds that consumption of such substances is inconsistent with man's nature and with virtue. The job of government, according to the premoderns, is to bring about the good in the society and ensure that the people act rightly; thus, this job includes combating wrong, harmful, immoral, and unnatural activities, such as drug consumption.

Most representatives of the modern worldview would support drug legalization as a necessary component of individual autonomy. The rational individual should be left free to choose how to lead his life, provided he does not violate the rights of others; he does not require the coercive impositions of government to lead him to virtue. Rather, he should be allowed to discover virtue on his own or suffer the consequences of any practical or moral errors he commits.

To obtain some agreement on drug legalization, the only expedient means is to argue within the premises of each worldview and see if the moderns and premoderns can reach the same conclusions while starting from different fundamental premises and holding different core ideas regarding how the government ought to act and what "goods" it ought to secure. For the premoderns, the desirability of drug legalization will depend on whether it can be shown to increase or diminish virtuous behavior in society. For the moderns, its acceptability will depend on the possibility of isolating the harmful effects of drug consumption to solely the individuals who choose to consume them or otherwise assume those harms of their own free will.

Considerations for Premoderns