Applying an Ethical Theory The following short essay assignment is designed to h

PHI208.W1.ListofTopics.pdf

Applying an Ethical Theory

Please read these assignment
instructions before writing your paper, and re-read them often during
and after the writing process to make sure that you are fulfilling all
of the instructions.

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.

Instructions
Write a five paragraph essay that conforms to the requirements below.
The paper must be 600 to 900 words in length (excluding title and
reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the
Ashford Writing Center. The paragraphs of your essay should conform to
the following guidelines:

1. 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.
    
2. Body Paragraphs
   Each paragraph in the body should start with a topic sentence that
   clearly identifies the main idea of the paragraph. Each paragraph should
   have at least four sentences.
   1. Theory explanation:
      This should be approximately 150 to 200 words explaining the
      core principles or features of the deontological or utilitarian theory
      and the general account of moral behavior it provides.
      • You must quote from at least one required resource that defends or represents that theory. Please view this list of acceptable resources.
   2. Application:
      This should be approximately 150 to 200 words, and should
      address how the principles or features of the deontological or
      utilitarian theory apply to the problem or question under consideration
      and identify the specific moral conclusion that results from that
      application.
      • Your application should clearly show how
        the conclusion follows from the main tenets of the theory as addressed
        in the previous paragraph. Please see the associated guidance for help
        in fulfilling this requirement.
   3. Objection:
      This should be approximately 150 to 200 words raising a relevant
      objection to the argument expressed in part “b.” A relevant objection
      is one that exposes a weakness in the theory as it applies to your
      problem, and so you should explain how it brings out this weakness.
      • Note that this does not necessarily mean
        that the objection succeeds, or that the conclusion the theory supports
        is wrong. It may be an obstacle that any adequate defense of the
        conclusion would have to overcome, and it may be the case that the
        theory has the resources to overcome that obstacle. Your task here is
        simply to raise the objection or present the “obstacle”.
         
3. Conclusion
   The conclusion should be one paragraph, no more than 150 words. The
   conclusion should very briefly summarize the main points of your essay
   and must contain a paraphrased restatement of your thesis.

Resources Requirements:

• You must use at least two resources to support your claims.
• At least one of the resources should be one of
  the Required or Recommended resources that directly represent the theory
  you have chosen, and must be drawn from the list of acceptable resources.
• The other source should pertain to the particular
  issue you are writing about, and should be drawn from the Required or
  Recommended readings in the course, or found in the Ashford Library.
• You are encouraged to use additional resources, so long as at least two conform to the requirements above.
• The textbook does not count toward satisfying the resources requirement.
• To count toward satisfying the requirement,
  resources must be cited within the body of your paper and on the
  reference page and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the
  Ashford Writing Center.

The Ashford Writing Center (AWC)  has two kinds of tutoring available to you.