Length: 2,000 words max.
Weighting: 30%
You are required to select an ethical issue which has been reported in the news media in 2012. Collect one recent (2012) news article that discusses this ethical issue, and perform further research to collect relevant background information and facts, to enable you to answer each question listed below.
This ethical issue must be different from the issue analysed in Assignment 1.
Provide separate answers to each of parts 'a to e' of this assessment under clearly headed sections:
a. Clearly define the ethical issue and provide a brief explanation as to why it is important. (4 marks)
b. Identify facts which are relevant to your analysis of the ethical issue. (5 marks)
c. Analyse the ethical issue using act utilitarianism, identifying all relevant consequences. Compare negative versus positive consequences and assess whether net utility will rise or fall as a result of the ethical act being examined. (8 marks)
d. Apply Kant's categorical imperative by defining the rule that authorises the act central to the ethical issue you have chosen. Discuss whether this rule can be applied universally. (8 marks)
e. Provide a conclusion comparing results in parts c & d above identifying whether your ethical conclusion equates with your conscience on this issue. (5 marks)