Case Study #2
Case 2: Freedom to Burn the Qur'an
Carefully read the case and craft an essay of about 1000 words in length in which you respond to the following:
- Identify the central moral issue(s) in the case. Who stands to be harmed and helped, and how?
- Based on our reading and class discussion, explain how utilitarian philosopher John Stuart Mill might judge a person who would burn the Qur'an as a symbolic speech act. Explain why Mill might render such judgements. Would Mill recommend actions such as those that Terry Jones proposes? Why or why not?
- Based on our reading and class discussion, explain how Mill might judge a law that prohibited offensive speech, and explain why he might render such judgements. Would Mill recommend that speech be curtailed when it is likely to be offensive? When it is likely to inspire violence? When it is likely to inspire violence in the short term, but to help abet social progress in the long-term (as some civil rights demonstrations did, for example)? Why or why not?
- In your opinion, should the law prohibit Terry Jones and others from burning the Qur'an as a symbolic speech act? Why or why not?
Note that your work will be graded according to the following criteria:
- Clarity of writing
- Basis in ethical theory
- Completeness of analysis
- Attentiveness to questions posed
- Acknowledgement of alternate points of view
Your completed essay should have an introductory paragraph which introduces the topic and that suggests how the questions will be answered. Your essay should also have a concluding paragraph that summarizes the points you have made.
Attachment:- Freedom to Burn.pdf