In the Crosshairs of Ethics with Sahar Joakim
Philosophy Department Colloquium with Dr. Sahar Joakim
Lovejoy Library 3rd Floor Conference Room
Friday, February 9, 2024 | 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Talk Title: In the Crosshairs of Ethics -- Rights and Responsibilities in Gun-Free Zones
This lecture aims to shed light on firearm prohibitions. Individuals have a fundamental right to safeguard their lives. For many, a firearm is the only effective means of self-defense. The government's imposition of firearm prohibitions in spaces such as school campuses without commensurate safeguards entails a shared responsibility for gun-related crimes within these zones. Either agencies who fail to keep individuals safe after depriving them of the means to self-defense are held accountable for victimization or else should stop depriving individuals of the ability to defend themselves. Drawing parallels between a trolley problem and school shootings, individuals should not be denied the agency to pull the lever or to pull the trigger.