In this 3 to 4 page essay, you will 1) explain and 2) defend or critique one of the theories we have studied. This is a thesis defense essay. This is not a research paper.
You can write on any ethical theory or case study. You can write on any topic we have covered or will cover. Here are some possibilities:
a) Although psychological egoism sounds plausible, it is probably not true. In this paper, I will explain…
b) Stoicism is enriching for three primary reasons. In your paper, explain each of those reasons. Quote them. Use real-world examples.
c) Although relativism seems plausible, it is actually false. It does not present a strong framework for understanding morality nor does it lead to the highest life possible for an individual. In this paper, I will…
d) American newborn circumcision is right/wrong because… (be sure to incorporate theories and facts)
e) In this paper, I will argue genital mutilation is wrong because… In the process, I will critique popular relativism and subjectivism because they cannot truly recognize genital mutilation, slavery, or other evils as wrong.
f) In this paper, I will explore human trafficking through three ethical lenses.
g) In this paper, I will explain why ____________ is the ethical theory that gives us the best insights and best guidance for living a good life.
h) What is evil? Why do good people perform evil acts? How can we reduce evil? In this paper, I will use the “experiments” of Milgram, Stanford, and Jane Elliot to answer these three questions.
i) Following ethical egoism will/will not lead to the best life possible for you…
j) The purpose of this paper is to explain and critique/defend Hobbes’ Social Contract Theory.
k) In this paper, I will explain how morality differs from law, etiquette, religion, cultural approval, individual preference, and art. I will then offer a deeper- though tentative- definition of morality.
Applied Ethics: If you would like to write on an applied ethics topic instead, you may do so. You could write on current ethical issues like sexual slavery/trafficking, microfinancing, vaccines, distributive justice, etc. There are many excellent examples at the end of each chapter in your textbook (case studies). Explain/analyze the issue and connect it to the theories in that chapter. For example, you could argue that getting vaccinated is right for a utilitarian reason… it protects the general population (herd immunity). Perhaps too there are egoistic and deontological reasons for this position? Some students argue that human trafficking is wrong according to utilitarianism and deontology, but may be right according to subjectivism and relativism. Utilitarianism and deontology, therefore, are stronger theories.
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