HONOR 3372 - Drug Theory Policy Practice

Meets with UGS 2008, PHIL 7510. Drug use, regulation and policy will be analyzed by an interdisciplinary faculty to provide a consistent, coherent and comprehensive view of the pharmacologically active substances that are ubiquitous in society. All types of drugs will be addressed--prescription and over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, sports enhancement drugs, religious use drugs, common use drugs such as caffeine and alcohol, and illegal drugs. Core concepts including addiction and harm vs. benefit will be developed. Contradictory views on what is a drug, drug development and regulation, and dilemmas in drug control and jurisprudence will be addressed. Each topic will be examined from a broad range of perspectives, including those of pharmacology, law, addiction medicine, sports performance assessment, philosophy, and criminal justice to help refute the "silo mentality" that characterizes drug policy and control in American society. Ways to promote justice in drug theory, policy, and practice will be developed.