ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Fall 2021: INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS
FINAL PAPER TOPICS
Is it ethical to not get the COVID-19 vaccine during a global pandemic? (Here assume you have no underlying health condition that puts you at higher risk for side effects from the vaccine and that the vaccine will be very effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19). In your answer, explain what German philosopher Immanuel Kant would say (please focus on EITHER the first formulation of the Categorical Imperative or the second, but not both), and explain what Mill would say. In your argument section tell me who gets the answer more right and why? (Notice they might give you the same advice but will provide different reasons for their conclusions.)
In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, there were mass protests across the United States. Monuments were torn down, #BLM protestors clashed with police, and citizens’ rights groups called for the defunding of local police forces. Think back to our unit on the obligation to follow the law. What would Socrates think of the #BLM protests? What would King? If you choose this essay, answer the following question: If we want to end differential race-based policing in the United States, what should we do to push for this change? What would Socrates tell you to do? What would Dr. King tell you to do? Whose answer do you agree with and why?
You have decided to become an urban farmer and put a chicken coop in your backyard. You intend to use the chickens for their eggs, and once they stop producing eggs you will treat them as your friends until they become elderly. When they become elderly you intend to humanely kill them and eat them. What would Singer say about the ethics of this situation? What about Korsgaard? Who do you agree with more and why?
(This paper topic is a little less straightforward). Do you have an obligation to resist your own oppression? In this paper you must do the following:
Tell a story (real or made up) of an time you were oppressed. (Do this before your introduction paragraph)
Explain Young’s 5 faces of oppression and tell me what type of oppression you faced in #1 (what type of oppression would Young call it). (This will be one of your sections of exegesis).
Explain Hay’s argument that you have an obligation to resist the oppression. Apply her argument to part #1 – what advice would Hay give you? (This will be one of your sections of exegesis)
Is Hay right? If yes – tell me why. If no- tell me why. (This is your argument).
Consider an objection to your view presented in #4
Provide a conclusion.
All of the papers should have the following format:
I/ Introduction
Use our template but you will also have to do a bit more. Detail the situation in your introduction before you get to the template.
(Template is here: https://myweb.fiu.edu/escarbro/wp-content/uploads/sites/427/2016/10/TEMPLATE-FOR-YOUR-FIRST-PAPER-INTRODUCTIONS.pdf (Links to an external site.))
II/ Exegesis
All of these paper topics require you to provide exegesis for TWO articles (not one). You should also apply the theory/article to your case in this section.
Exegesis A
Explain Person X
Apply X’s theory to this case
Exegesis B
Explain Person Y
Apply Y’s theory to this case
III/ Provide your argument
Provide three premises in support for your conclusion
(Argument template is here: https://myweb.fiu.edu/escarbro/wp-content/uploads/sites/427/2019/02/SUGGESTIONS-FOR-YOUR-ARGUMENT-SECTION.pdf (Links to an external site.))
IV/ Objection/Response
Provide a brief objection to your view and a response to this objection. This can be done in a few sentences. Make sure your objection is to one of your objections – not to your conclusion.
V/ Conclusion
Remember to say what you argued, how you argued for it, and why the topic is important.
CRITERIA
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
–Introduction
https://myweb.fiu.edu/escarbro/wp-content/uploads/sites/427/2016/10/TEMPLATE-FOR-YOUR-FIRST-PAPER-INTRODUCTIONS.pdfLinks
to an external site.
2 pts
Full Marks
Should follow the template given in class.
–Exegesis A
Exegesis on one of your two thinkers
4 pts
Full Marks
You: -define all appropriate terms -explain fully what needs to be explained from the article -apply the ethical theory to the case at hand accuratly
–Exegesis B
Exegesis on one of your two thinkers
4 pts
Full Marks
You: -define all appropriate terms -explain fully what needs to be explained from the article -apply the ethical theory to the case at hand accuratly
–Argument
https://myweb.fiu.edu/escarbro/wp-content/uploads/sites/427/2019/02/SUGGESTIONS-FOR-YOUR-ARGUMENT-SECTION.pdfLinks
to an external site.
You must also have an objection and response.
4 pts
Full Marks
You have: -3 discrete premises -Each premise is well argued for -You have an objection that engages with a specific premise -Your objection isn’t a strawperson -You have a response to that objection 3 points per premise, 1 point for your objeciton/response
–This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Conclusion
See your conclusion assignment. You need a reminder of what you argued for and why this topic is important.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|
