“The UK should consider adopting appropriate regulatory models for psychoactive drugs”: Critically discuss ‘alternative’ drug policies drawing upon the international evidence base.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Adopting Appropriate Regulatory Models for Psychoactive Drugs: A Critical Analysis of ‘Alternative’ Drug Policies
Introduction
The issue of drug policy has been a topic of intense debate, with traditional prohibitionist approaches often failing to achieve desired outcomes. This essay critically discusses the proposition that the UK should consider adopting appropriate regulatory models for psychoactive drugs. By examining international evidence of ‘alternative’ drug policies, we can evaluate their effectiveness in reducing harm, promoting public health, and addressing the underlying issues associated with drug use.
The Failure of Prohibitionist Approaches
Traditional prohibitionist drug policies, which prioritize criminalization and enforcement, have not succeeded in eradicating drug use or reducing associated harms. Instead, these policies often exacerbate public health concerns, fuel violence, and contribute to the growth of illicit drug markets. It is essential to explore ‘alternative’ regulatory models that prioritize harm reduction and public health outcomes.
Decriminalization and Harm Reduction
Decriminalization is a regulatory model that treats drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal offense. Countries like Portugal have implemented this approach and experienced positive outcomes. Evidence from Portugal shows that decriminalization led to a reduction in drug-related deaths, HIV transmission rates, and drug-related crime. By shifting the focus from punishment to harm reduction, decriminalization can allow individuals to access treatment and support without fear of criminal consequences.
Regulated Legalization
Regulated legalization takes a step further by establishing legal frameworks for the production, distribution, and sale of psychoactive drugs. Uruguay and Canada have adopted this approach for cannabis, with varying degrees of success. Regulated legalization allows for quality control, age restrictions, and taxation, minimizing the risks associated with unregulated substances. However, careful consideration must be given to prevent excessive commercialization and ensure equitable access to legal substances.
Drug Consumption Rooms and Supervised Injection Sites
Drug consumption rooms (DCRs) and supervised injection sites (SISs) provide safe spaces for individuals to use drugs under medical supervision. These harm reduction interventions have been implemented in countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Canada. Evidence suggests that DCRs and SISs reduce overdose deaths, improve health outcomes, and facilitate access to treatment services. Integrating these facilities into the UK’s drug policy could mitigate the risks associated with drug use and offer opportunities for engagement with marginalized populations.
Regulating Novel Psychoactive Substances
The emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) poses unique challenges for drug policy. Traditional prohibitionist approaches struggle to keep up with the rapid development of new substances. Countries like New Zealand have adopted innovative regulatory models, such as pre-market approval systems, to tackle NPS effectively. By regulating these substances rather than simply banning them, policymakers can address potential health risks and promote consumer safety.
Public Opinion and Political Will
While ‘alternative’ drug policies have shown promise in various contexts, their implementation is often hindered by political considerations. Public opinion plays a significant role in shaping drug policy, with the stigma surrounding drug use influencing policy decisions. Educating the public about evidence-based approaches and fostering open discussions can help shift perceptions and create an environment conducive to adopting appropriate regulatory models.
Conclusion
The UK should critically consider adopting appropriate regulatory models for psychoactive drugs based on international evidence. Prohibitionist approaches have proven ineffective in reducing harm and addressing the underlying issues associated with drug use. ‘Alternative’ drug policies, such as decriminalization, regulated legalization, harm reduction interventions like DCRs and SISs, and innovative approaches to regulating NPS, have demonstrated positive outcomes in other countries. However, successful implementation requires political will, public education, and a commitment to evidence-based policies. By embracing alternative approaches, the UK can prioritize harm reduction, public health, and social well-being in its drug policy framework.
