The Ethics of Drink and Other Social Questions; Or, Joints In Our Social Armour

"The Ethics of Drink and Other Social Questions; Or, Joints In Our Social Armour" by James Runciman is a reflective exploration of the societal impact of alcohol in late 19th-century Britain. The work critiques common approaches to discussing alcohol abuse, arguing that statistics and moralizing speeches fail to capture the emotional reality of addiction. The author, using personal stories and strong visuals, illustrates the devastating toll of alcohol on individuals and communities. Rejecting simple fixes, the author pushes for a compassionate, individualized understanding of alcoholism, emphasizing the need to address the personal and societal factors that fuel the crisis, not just create laws.