ethics

Ethics

Reaction Paper #2

Term Paper

I cannot accept any assignment after the due date. I’m sorry that I cannot compromise on

this, but I have worked to give the longest possible time to work on them. You can, of course,

turn it in early, or give me an early copy to read (and comment on).

Your paper should be from 5-7 pages long, and a lot of original work. I don’t want you to

spend time summarizing the articles, arguments at all! I’ve read it, and I know you’ve worked

through it before (how else could you write it)! I want you to start from that point in your work,

and try to write about what the author(s) are trying to prove and what you think about their work.

The rest depends on what type of paper you’d like to do, but try to take the two (or more)

arguments/articles and show very clearly how they’re related, and why they work together so

well. Take a hard stand and come down strong – if they’re things that keep you from doing that,

then that’s o.k. just be sure to say exactly what they are. While they’re larger papers, they do not

have to be super formal (remember, it is still me reading/grading them) but this is your last stand

of sorts – make sure that the grammar and spelling all works out well (it is a serious paper, so I

can’t let you get away with silly mistakes everywhere) and that you take the time to be crystal

clear. You do not have to take the time to go over every argument someone makes (that would

take a book, even for the short articles) but do tell me exactly why you think certain things are

important, what they mean, and what you think they are doing to help your case.

If none of this helps, makes sense, or scares you, let me know. I’ll be happy to help with

any part of your paper (even picking something to write on) or going over one of the articles.

Option #1 Throughout the second half of the term, we have discussed several authors that have presented their own coherent ethical systems. How do you feel about their efforts? Do you think utilitarianism is right?

 What are your thoughts on the greatest good for the greatest number?

 How do you feel about negative responsibility?

 Do you think any of our case studies especially support or hinder utilitarian theory? Do you think deontology is right?

 What are your thoughts on not being able to consider the consequences of our actions?

 How do you feel about judging others on their intentions alone, even though we may never know them?

 Do you think we will ever be able to resolve the problem of conflicting duties?

Do you think virtue theory is right?

 What are your thoughts on judging a person’s character?

 Do you think we will ever be able to truly know someone’s character?

 How do we respond to or evaluate actions that are out of character?

 Do you think we will ever be able to resolve the problem of ranking virtues?

Do you think they are all failures and have a theory of your own?

Remember, the focus of your paper is to answer 2 questions: 1) which theory is superior, 2) an explanation of your answer. You do not need to review the assignments we covered in class, unless you share the same thoughts as one of our authors. You are not graded on your ability to summarize what others have said, but rather your ability to present a solid, thoroughly explained philosophical argument.

Option #2 After we discussed our ethical theories, we covered a special topic that the class voted upon. If you wish,

you may use your paper to discuss and present your own thoughts on the issue. Remember it is your job to keep your paper focused, on topic, and present your own critical, ethical evaluation of the subject at hand.