Philosophy Week 5 Assignment

Erin,

An interesting discussion of how deontology applies to cultural practices, and you raise a lot of strong points. I like how you seemed to follow the assignment structure and drew upon a number of resources.  

However, in my comments on the previous paper I said that you needed to narrow the focus to some specific cultural practice, but unfortunately you did not do that and so the paper remained too broad and vague.  The account of deontology was also quite vague. You needed to explain more clearly Kant's core principles.  I needed to see an explanation of the Categorical Imperative itself drawn Kant's Groundwork, and a clearer application of the "Categorical Imperative test". For example, you might have considered the relevant maxims involved in certain practices, and whether that is something that could be willed to be universal law; or you could have determined whether people's humanity is being respected as an end-it-itself or being used as a mere means.   Examples of this kind of reasoning are provided throughout the Week 3 guidance, so be sure that you are carefully reading and utilizing the guidance to help you understand the view and how it can apply.  

I hope that in the final paper you narrow the topic to something specific, and focus more on the particular authors we are covering in this class. Like this paper, your final paper will also require placing a large emphasis on explaining the moral theories you are focusing on in a way that draws upon the primary texts, and showing how they apply to the concrete issue you are discussing.  So you will want to be sure to spend plenty of time on that, honing up what you have begun to do here, and extending that to include the application of another theory.  Be sure you are carefully reading the primary texts and using the Instructor Guidance to help ensure that you understand the theories and are able to apply them in a clear way to the issues.  Also be sure that you consult arguments on both sides of this issue using scholarly sources, including those from the assigned readings when they apply. When you bring in your own views, you will need to demonstrate that you have first devoted plenty of effort to understanding the core theories and the various arguments pertaining to this problem.  

Be sure that you take a look at my in-line comments for help with writing as well as understanding the ideas, and let me know if you have questions or concerns about my remarks, or would like some additional help with working out your ideas.   

Late penalty (2 days) = -20%

(0.38 / 0.5) Introduces the Topic

Basic - Introduces the topic under consideration that vaguely delimits the ethical problem or defines the essential issues. Somewhat summarizes the conclusion or position on this issue that is best supported by the theory and what the objection will be. The introduction is unclear and/or underdeveloped.

(1.28 / 2) Explains the Theory

Below Expectations - Attempts to explain core principles or features of either the deontological or utilitarian ethical theory that will be applied to the chosen issue; however, does not demonstrate an understanding of the form and principles of the theory, and the explanation is severely unclear, inaccurate, and missing significant details.

(1.28 / 2) Applies the Theory to the Chosen Problem or Question

Below Expectations - Attempts to apply either the deontological or utilitarian ethical theory to the chosen problem or question; however, does not demonstrate how the specific moral conclusion was arrived at on the basis of the main tenants of the theory and severely lacks clarity and logic in key places.

(1.28 / 2) Raises a Relevant Objection

Below Expectations - Attempts to raise an objection, but the objection is not relevant, the objection mostly lacks adequate explanation, and/or the objection demonstrates a lack of basic understanding of the theory to which it is objecting.

(0.88 / 1) Conclusion

Proficient - Provides a conclusion that summarizes the paper and presents a rephrased statement of the thesis, but one of these is slightly unclear.

(0.88 / 1) Fulfills Resource Requirement

Proficient - Cites two or more sources that are found in the required or recommended readings within the course or the Ashford University Library, but lacks either one resource from the provided list of resources that defend the theory in question or one resource that pertains to the chosen issue.

(0.5 / 0.5) Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.

(0.44 / 0.5) Written Communication: APA Formatting

Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors. 

(0.5 / 0.5) Written Communication: Word Requirement

Distinguished - The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of words.

Overall Score: 7.42 / 10