Applying a Theory Before beginning this paper, make sure that you have completed Modules 3 & 4. It is also highly recommended that you have read LaFollette’s “Writing a Philosophy Paper” from Ethics in Practice: An Anthology. This paper is worth 10% of your grade in this course, and, as a result, will be graded out of 100 pts total. Make sure to follow the following instructions and look at the rubric.
In this paper, you will apply one of the theories (Kant’s deontology or utilitarianism) that we learned in Modules 3 & 4 to your applied ethics topic (animal rights, euthanasia, or global poverty). In order to do this, you must first explain the theory in general, then explain what position you think a Utilitarian or a Kantian would take on a specific issue related to your topic (e.g. vegetarianism for animal rights, giving to charity for global poverty, or assisting someone else in ending his/her life for euthanasia). Specific Instructions for Structuring the Paper This paper should be organized as a typical essay with an Introduction and a Conclusion, as well as including Part I and Part II as follows: Part I Explain either utilitarianism or Kant’s deontology. In doing so, you must explain the core principles or features of the theory (e.g. categorical imperative) as well as how one would decide what one ought to do when faced with a moral dilemma (come up with your own example here).
Part II Apply either utilitarianism or deontology to the issue that you’ve decided to focus on from your applied ethics topic. This involves identifying a specific moral conclusion (e.g. it is morally permissible/wrong to kill animals for food according to utilitarianism) and explaining how that conclusion follows from the core principles that you identified in Part I. Grading This paper will be graded on content, not length. That being said, you should aim for 2-3 pages. If your paper is too short, you won’t have included all of the necessary portions of this assignment. Your paper should include an introduction, paragraphs devoted to the reasons for your position, and a conclusion. If your paper seems to be a bit long, make sure every word is absolutely necessary. You should be able to explain the concepts succinctly as well as clearly.
