Overview:

The following short essay assignment is designed to help prepare you for an important part of the Final Paper. In this essay, you will do the following:

Choose either the same ethical problem or question you discussed in the Week One Assignment, or a different one from the list of acceptable topics.

Choose either utilitarian or deontological ethical theory to apply to the ethical question.

Explain the core principles of that theory.

Demonstrate how the principles of the theory support a certain position on that question.

Articulate a relevant objection to the theory on the basis of that argument.

Write a five paragraph essay that conforms to the requirements below.

Introduction

The introduction should be one paragraph, no more than 120 words. This should clearly delimit the ethical problem or question under consideration, and define the essential issues. You may build upon the problem you raised in the Week One Assignment, or you may choose a different topic, but it must be from the list of acceptable topics. The last sentence of the introduction should briefly summarize the conclusion or position on this issue that you think is best supported by this theory, and succinctly state what the objection will be. Remember that your essay will not be concerned with your own position on this issue, but what someone defending the chosen theory would conclude.