Year 12 IB Extended Essays 2017

Introduction

Whilst gun violence is problematic in all areas of the United States, Chicago places extensive

focus on the issue and is a city where gun control is frequently debated due to its shocking

statistics. Within the year of 2016, the total number of homicides was 804, with 3661 people

being shot and wounded (Heyjackass, 2016). It is evident that there is an urgency for action

upon violent ordeals within Chicago. Yet, despite much discussion there have been only mi-

nor attempts at solutions, such as a stricter federal police team ordered by President Trump

(Appendix B). Whilst creating a stronger sense of control within the city, this placement cre-

ated significant tension between civilians and the state causing increased violence between

these parties. Gun control within Chicago is incredibly low as the community often shows

abuse of weapon allowance. By focusing on just one city, rather than the entire nation, it is

possible to look at the majority of the factors playing a role in these statistics and come to a

less vague, more precise conclusion. Thus it can then be deduced that the lack of attention on

gun control is problematic with appalling gun violence figures that have consistently grown

in recent times. Since statistics can be inclusive of factors that are not directly relevant to the

gun law debate, focusing on the ethics of the situation is a more effective method of reaching

a justified conclusion, as diving into the complications of economics or politics unnecessary

clutters the issue. Although there may be a myriad of casual facts for the high statistics of

gun-related deaths (in Chicago), a fundamental consideration is philosophical. In other

words, gun control needs to be philosophically analysed before laws are changed and politi-

cal enforcement managed.

The intention of applying the different philosophical approaches is to conclude on which ar-

gument, for or against gun control, may be most justifiable, or at least reveal various flaws.

Whilst many philosophical ideals may be applied to the debate, this essay will focus on the