philosophy

 Students are required to submit a 750-word (minimum) midterm paper, which will count for 25% of their final course grade. The student will present a situation requiring an ethical choice made by an individual drawn from the real world (i.e. a news story), consider the possible choices available and their consequences, take a position on the situation, and justify that choice. The student must incorporate significant references to at least two thinkers discussed in the course so far as part of their evaluation of the situation requiring an ethical choice. The paper will be graded according to the attached rubric. The paper must include the following: Heading or Cover Page: This must include the student’s name, course section, and a link to the news article on which the essay is based. Summary of Situation Requiring a Choice: The student must summarize the situation which calls for an ethical choice, including all relevant details. This includes identifying the individual person responsible for making the choice (even if that person isn’t named in the article). Presentation of Available Choices: The student must present the possible choices available and the consequences of those choices. Decision and Justification: The student must make a choice in the situation and justify that choice with well-reasoned arguments. In other words, put yourself in the place of the individual faced with the choice. What would you do, and why? Philosophical Engagement: The student must make substantial references to at least two thinkers we have discussed in the course so far. These references can be used in any part of the paper and should demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the philosophers and ideas encountered in this course.