CFP: Philosophy and Gun Control

Essays in Philosophy
Philosophy and Gun Control
Volume 16, Number 2
Issue date: July 2015
Submission deadline: March 31, 2015
Issue Editor: Christopher A. Riddle (Utica College)

Gun violence is an unfortunate reality in our global society. Recent
discussions surrounding this topic have been polarizing and emotionally
charged. There is an increased need for engagement in a rational and
measured debate about the ethics of owning guns and the permissibility or
regulating or restricting their ownership.

Typical treatments of the topic engage with the conflict between individual
rights of autonomy and self-defense and collective rights of freedom from
assault and violence. There are also conflicting claims about the ideal way
to protect individuals in a society. Some suggest that more private
ownership of guns increases collective security and decreases crime while
others suggest the contrary: the presence of more guns decreases safety and
increases the possibility of violent crime.

More generally, there is a concern about the obligation of the state and its
institutions in assuring autonomy rights, social security, and individual
protection.

Essays in Philosophy invites the submission of papers that explore some
aspect of philosophy and gun control. Possible topics include, but are not
limited to:
autonomy rights
freedom
self-defense
harm reduction
obligations of the State
crime reduction
property rights
Constitutional guarantees
gun culture and society
political and economic implications

All submissions should be sent to the general editor via email:
[email protected]