Ethical Egoism in the Criminal Term Paper

Most philosophers, however, reject egoism or ethical egoism as it violates the foundations of an ethical system. Two persons to both maximize their respective self-interests will lead to conflict. Moreover, egoism inclines towards the exploitation of the weak. When a person is caught performing an illegal act or an act violating a professional code of ethics, it is almost always because of egoistic behavior that he committed it (Cengage).

Gun Control and Ethical Egoism

Law enforcers are allowed to carry weapons to use in the performance of their duty to arrest suspects and to protect themselves from criminal elements. Other individuals are also permitted to bear arms for justifiable reasons, mainly for protection, such as treasurers, bodyguards and prosecution witnesses in criminal cases. But the possession of weapons has not been totally strictly controlled. In many cases, they fall into the hands of criminals themselves or accidentally hurt or destroy persons at home like children. Although gun control laws have been in force to limit the un-authorized proliferation of weapons, the debate on the wisdom of gun control laws continues. Some oppose stricter laws while some press for them for a more peaceful society,

In Favor of Gun Control Laws

The main argument of this side is that these laws will reduce and discourage further violent crime and deaths, especially in the urban areas (Goodman, 2013). The easy accessibility of guns and other fire weapons makes killing others or oneself easy too. Guns kept at home by those who are licensed to keep them are far likelier to kill an innocent house member than an intruder or criminal. Military groups organized to protect the country from outside threats may have amateur members are not answerable to any superior. They are thus very dangerous with these weapons. The Second Amendment defense is not absolute as no right is when it conflicts with other rights. It justifies a well-regulated militia but not every individual citizen to possess deadly weapons (Goodman).Opposition to Gun Control Laws

It is a Constitutionally-recognized and fundamental civil right to own guns (Goodman, 2013). The courts have upheld this right in many occasions. Gun ownership is also imperative for legitimate purposes by individuals, like hunting and self-defense. Guns can stop criminals and reduce crimes, especially in crime-infested areas. Women who own them can also be an equalizing force against stronger men who may attack them. As a rule, military groups and individuals who own guns provide security for the nation against tyranny and external attacks. If there were no guns to protect the American people, they would be easily defeated by these elements. And restricting gun ownership will not deter criminals who can always use other deadly weapons, like knives and chemicals

Guns and Ethical Egoism

Carrying and using guns are primarily intended for self-protection, which is basic human right. Self-protection, survival and self-interest are the objectives of ethical egoism and considered moral and natural. If these were the only reasons why guns are used by those authorized to carry and use them, there will be no need for gun control laws. The problem is that, due to their accessibility, they are used for settling situations not within the scope of duty. They also fall into the hands of those not authorized to use them, like members of the household, and cause unnecessary fatalities or injuries.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cengage (2013). Determining moral behavior. Chapter 2 FPO. Cengage Brain: Cengage

Sites. Retrieved on April 19, 2013 from http://www.cengagesites.com/academic/assets/sites/5054/Chapter2.pdf

Fieser, J. (2009). Ethics. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: University of Tennessee at Martin. Retrieved on April 19, 2013 from http://www.iep.utm.edu/ethics/#SSH2c.ii

Goodman, P. (2013). Pros and cons of gun control laws in the U.S. HubPages: HubPages,

Inc. Retrieved on April 19, 2013 from http://paulgoodman67.hubpages.com/hub/Pros-and-Cons-of-Gun-Control-Laws-in-the-USA

Moseley, a. (2005). Egoism. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: University of Tennessee at Martin. Retrieved on April 19, 2013 from http://www.iep.utm.edu/egoism.....