How to Write an Ethic Summary Report on Alcohol

Alcohol can provide health benefits in moderation.

Alcohol can be a controversial subject. While millions of people worldwide undoubtedly enjoy it, there have also been many killed in auto accidents and through other means by those who have used it irresponsibly. The United States' attempt to outlaw it during the 1920s was unsuccessful as the ban simply gave a source of revenue to the mafia and other criminals via bootlegging. Writing an ethical summary report regarding alcohol requires research and a balanced approach.

Instructions

1. Provide a background of alcohol and its role in society through the years. Alcohol has been used in religious ceremonies, social events and many other functions for centuries and an overview will help the reader to understand the scope of the effect, positive and negative, that alcohol has had on society.

2. Discuss the potential health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. Moderate usage has been shown to potentially reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes and gallstones. Address the ethical implications of not allowing someone to consume a substance that can, when used responsibly, benefit his health.

3. Examine the most recent statistics you can find on drunk-driving related accidents, domestic abuse and other crimes where alcohol plays a role. Alcohol takes away people's inhibitions, making them possibly act in ways that they otherwise wouldn't. As a result, someone may act in an unethical manner when drunk. Make a case for which is more ethical: personal choice and responsibility regarding alcohol, or preventing victims from being harmed by drunk offenders.

4. Mention alcohol's relation to various religions. Many people base their ethical code off of religious beliefs, and alcohol has various roles in numerous churches and religious practices. Wine is sometimes used to symbolize the blood of Jesus Christ, for example. However, religion is also a cornerstone for many alcohol treatment programs for addicts. Some religions such as Islam ban the consumption of alcohol entirely. The connection between religion, ethical beliefs and alcohol consumption should therefore be addressed.

5. Conclude with an examination of personal freedom versus the good of society, and if those are two separate concepts or if one can exist without the other. That is the heart of any ethical debate about alcohol and its usage. Provide a personal opinion based on the facts you've already presented and leave the readers with an invitation to form their own opinion on the subject.

Tips & Warnings

• An instructor may have a specific format that he wants the essay to be in or specific points he wants the essay to address. Follow all course and instructor guidelines when formulating your essay.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Alcohol Use- If You Drink, Keep it Moderate
• Huffington Post; The Doubled-Edged Sword of Religion and Alcoholism; David Briggs; March 2011
• Think Quest: The End of Prohibition
• Santa Clara University; What is Ethics?; Manuel Velasquez