Research Methods

Overview

This assignment requires you to compare two ethical frameworks, a Christian framework and a competing ethical framework (i.e. relativism, duty ethics, egoism, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, natural law), and to argue for which theory is strongest. You will write a 1000–1200-word essay (not including footnotes, the title page, table of contents, and bibliography) that combines your insights and arguments into a single carefully-articulated work. Format should be 12pt, Times New Roman font and in one of the three major writing styles (MLA, APA, or Turabian). A template will be provided.

Instructions

Now that you have learned about competing ethical theories, write a 1000–1200-word essay that compares and contrasts a Christian ethical theory with a competing ethical theory. You may choose from any ethical frameworks we have covered in the course – Relativism, Utilitarianism, Egoism, Duty Ethics, Virtue Ethics, or Natural Law. Keep in mind that some of these frameworks have a great deal in common with Christian ethics, so you should be mindful in making important distinctions. For example, pay attention to the ways a Christian ethic would interpret concepts like “virtue,” “law,” or “duty” in comparison to a non-Christian ethic. The textbooks will be extremely helpful in this regard.

Your paper should be divided into five sections and must meet the minimum word count for each section (not including citations, bibliography).

1) Introduction. Begin your paper with a brief introductory paragraph that clearly states your goals, thesis, and method. State what two ethical frameworks you are comparing and which one you are defending. (minimum 50 words).

2) Articulate a Christian ethical framework. What is it? What are the sources of authority? Where is it grounded? How does it define goodness? What are its strengths and weaknesses? (minimum 300 words)

3) Articulate a competing ethical framework that you believe poses the greatest challenges to Christian ethics (i.e. Relativism, Utilitarianism, Egoism, Duty Ethics, Virtue Ethics, or Natural Law). What is it? What are the sources of authority? Where is it grounded? How does it define goodness? What are its strengths and weaknesses? (minimum 300 words)

4) Which framework is stronger? Which theory has greater explanatory power and more defensible philosophically/theologically/morally/historically? Explain your answer (minimum 350 words)

5) Bibliography. Remember, your citations and bibliography do not count toward the 1000 word requirement.

Be sure to carefully define your terms, articulate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory, and defend your position. You are expected to support your position with rational arguments, fitting examples, and expert sources. Any quotes or information used from sources other than yourself must be cited. Summarize whenever possible and do not use large quotations.

You will be penalized for falling short or exceeding the word count. This is a university-level writing assignment and therefore it must be carefully proofread, free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Do not use slang, emoticons, or abbreviations (as if you are texting or sending an email to a friend).

You are expected to cite at least two of the textbooks and at least two external, academic sources in your essay. These external sources would include books, journal articles, periodicals, and similar publications. You may use online sources, but DO NOT use websites such as Wikipedia, online dictionaries, online encyclopedias, and blogs as these do not count as academic sources and should not be used. Biblical references are encouraged but will not count as an academic source.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.

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