Reading the two articles (LaFollette and Huemer articles are attached) from this week, do you think that it is moral for governments to control the private ownership of guns? If it is moral, under what circumstances?
In writing this essay, be sure to make explicit reference to the relevant parts of the articles and explain why those mattered in your thinking. A big part of this paper is based on how well you show an understanding of the texts.
Goal of paper: This is the question of whether there should be restrictions on who can own guns, and what type of guns they can own. As usual, for this paper I would like you to reflect on the readings and think about your own views on the matter. Remember that the goal in these papers is to show that youve both understood the material and thought about the issue. Answer the question, but it should be informed by the material we covered in the class.
Background:
LaFollette: thinks guns should be registered and insured, and owners should be liable for their misuse
Huemer: strongly believes that there is a right to own guns for the purposes of self-defense
Note that this is not a question about the law (not the second amendment, or any other law), but about ethics. Its also not the same as the question of whether you personally would, or do, own a gun. It is the question about whether you think that it is moral for government to regulate the ownership of firearms in any way, and if so, how.
