Essay 1: Assignment Topics and Instructions

Please note! The below questions are NOT the topic for the essays. The

topics are found in the assignment instructions. From the list below, you

will choose a question that relates to the article/topic you choose from the

assignment instructions/topics.

Is there a meaning to life?

Is the meaning of life the same for animals and humans?

What does it mean to live a good life?

Do humans have free will?

Is suffering a necessary part of the human condition?

What benefits does art provide society? Does art hurt society in any way?

What is the best way for a person to attain happiness?

Are any beliefs not justified? In other words, are there any beliefs one cannot

justifiably hold?

Is it more important to help yourself, help your family, help your society, or

help the world?

Can human nature be changed? Should it be changed?

Can we define consciousness?

Is it possible to prove that other people besides yourself have consciousness?

Is the concept of “you” continuous or does past “you” continually fade into

present and future “you”? In other words, what part of “you” sticks around over

time considering that the atoms that make up your body are constantly being

replaced and your memories are always changing?

Should animals have rights, and should those rights extend to all animals or

should those rights change based on the complexity of the animal?

If it were discovered that personality traits were partly genetic and could be

removed with gene therapy, would it be ethical to edit out negative character

traits that harm others like extreme aggression, compulsive lying, or cruelty?

Can morality ever be objective or is it always subjective? If it can be objective, in

what instances? If it’s always subjective, how do we decide whose concept of

morality is correct?

Are intentions or outcomes more important when judging whether actions are

moral?

Should there be limitations on the right to free speech?

Are we obligated to help all people, if we are able, or only those near us?

How far should governments go to prevent its citizens from causing harm to

themselves?

Do people in wealthier countries have a moral obligation to help those in poorer

countries?

What boundaries and limitations should be placed on governments?

What is a fair society?

Have we become less happy in this age of technology?

Are humans obligated to better themselves, and will doing so make them

happier?

Is the most important purpose in life to find happiness?

Does life require a purpose and a goal?

What is happiness?