The Path to Gun Control in America Goes Through Political Philosophy

Thomas Wells

doi:10.25335/ppj.2.1-4

The Path to Gun Control in America Goes Through Political Philosophy

Thomas Wells

Tilburg Center for Logic, Ethics and Philosophy of Science

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review

Abstract

This essay argues that gun control in America is a philosophical as well as a policy debate. This explains the depth of acrimony it causes. It also explains why the technocratic public health argument favored by the gun control movement has been so unsuccessful in persuading opponents and motivating supporters. My analysis also yields some positive advice for advocates of gun control: take the political philosophy of the gun rights movement seriously and take up the challenge of showing that a society without guns is a better society, not merely a safer one.

Original language	English
Number of pages	11
Journal	Public Philosophy Journal
Volume	2
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.25335/ppj.2.1-4
Publication status	Published - May 2019

Keywords

gun control

Access to Document

10.25335/ppj.2.1-4

https://publications.publicphilosophyjournal.org/record/?kid=6-15-224917&issue=6-18-224912

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