social science

PHIL 240: Ethics

Term Paper

Overview: An essential part of studying Ethics is learning how to apply the methods of ethical

reasoning to ethical issues in our world. This subfield of Ethics is known as “Applied Ethics.”

Applied Ethics attempts to clarify and respond to a specific moral problem. These moral

problems can include matters of personal behavior and virtue, new technologies, social values

and norms, political institutions and legislation, and others (essentially, if something can be

called “morally wrong,” or “morally problematic,” or “unjust,” then it can be addressed in an

applied ethics paper).

Term Paper Objective:

Students will select an ethical issue in our world today, research the issue, present the

competing positions related to the issue, and then argue for a specific position.

Directions – In order to successfully meet the objective of this paper, students must demonstrate

the following in their submitted paper:

(Please note: this list covers the general features of a good paper; please see the Term Paper

Grading Rubric for the comprehensive list)

1. Clearly identify and explain an ethical issue (this is generally done in the introduction to the paper)

2. Establish and prove a strong thesis statement. The links from your Term Paper Module on writing a thesis have been copied here:

a. Creating a Thesis Statement (you are writing an “Argumentative Paper”) b. Developing Strong Thesis Statements

3. Clearly present the competing positions related to the ethical issue, being sure to (a) present them objectively, with support from primary and secondary sources, and (b) in

such a way that presents each position in its strongest version 4. Defend the moral theory or moral principle that underlies and justifies your thesis (your

position on the issue). a. For example: If your paper depends on the “principle of autonomy,” then it is up

to you to convince your reader of the value of autonomy. That is, why should we

care about autonomy? Does, or should, everyone share this view of autonomy?

Does it depend on an accurate view of the human condition? Etc. 5. Includes a conclusion that summarizes and reinforces the thesis, and offers some final

thoughts for your reader 6. Includes a Works Cited page 7. Paper is given a title 8. Paper is proper length

a. 4-6 pages (1,000 – 1,500 words) b. Double spaced; Times New Roman font; 1-inch margins

9. Paper is submitted on time

Fulfillment of General Education Program outcomes:

This assignment will allow students to demonstrate at least 5 of the following 7 General

Education Program outcomes:

1. Written/oral communication 2. Critical analysis and reasoning 3. Technological competence 4. Information Literacy 5. Scientific and quantitative or logical reasoning 6. Local and global diversity 7. Personal and professional ethics

Successful completion of this term paper will fulfill the following Course Level Objectives:

• CCO #1: Demonstrate how critical analysis is central to the study and application of ethics

• CCO #2: Identify ways in which ethics is a dynamic subject which is responsive to new discoveries in related fields

• CCO #8: Utilize technology, correct writing, and communications to find, evaluate, use, and cite about ethical matters

• CCO #10: Logically evaluate and analyze ethical arguments

In addition, this paper will fulfill at least one of the following:

• CCO #3: Identify and describe core ideas and famous ethicists from the character ethics tradition

• CCO #4: Identify core ideas and famous ethicists from the teleological ethics tradition • CCO #5: Identify core ideas and famous ethicists from the deontological ethics tradition