Assignment -

Please choose one of the following four topics to write a 1200-2500 word essay:

A: Using one or more of the theories we've discussed this quarter, analyze what ethical responsibilities, if any, you have to those you are in an indirect relationship with. This may include humans whom you do not "know" in the normal sense, the environment you live in, animals as a class of beings, etc. You may also want to explore how/whether these responsibilities differ from conventional ethical relations in order to defend your thesis.

B: Read the short story "Speech Sounds" from Octavia Butler

Analyze what the relationship between ethical decisions, communication and emotions might be in situations where the social contract has seemingly broken down. Are ethics in a social contract even important in this dystopic society? If so, why? If no, why not? Please integrate one of the ethical theories we have talked about in class to explain your position.

C: Under what circumstances is violence acceptable to defend abstract ideals and/or to preserve moral agents that do not directly have a relationship with you? Is violence acceptable to defend moral patients? You will want to include a definition of violence in addition to an explanation of the system of thought you are utilizing.

D: Do we have an ethical obligation to health? You may want to consider the role of the social contract, definitions of disease, and the structures of agency in relation to power to answer this question.