1. When does the fetus acquire the Right to Life (in other words become a human, person, etc.)? State your own view and then defend it by giving at least one of (what you take to be) the strongest reason for it as well as attacking at least one of (what you take to be) the strongest reasons against it. At the start make sure to discuss what is meant by having the Right to Life.

2. Utilitarianism is an important view in moral philosophy. Write a short essay on Utilitarianism in which you deal with the following questions: What is the view known as Utilitarianism? (Describe this view in some detail.) What are some reasons in favor of Utilitarianism? What are some difficulties with Utilitarianism? Pick one of the topics we have dealt with in class, e.g. abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and discuss how and how well Utilitarianism might help to handle such issues.

3. Suppose that you accept, what many social scientists agree on, that capital punishment does not and will not reduce the murder rate in the U.S. Could you still argue that capital punishment is morally right? What would be your reasons for thinking so? Discuss in some detail.