Essay Assignment
Essay Question: This focuses on central issues in metaethics and exposes you to normative ethical theories. It then asks you to consider all of this in relation to your own moral code or thinking.
Write this philosophical paper in three parts and follow the prompts in the outline below. In the first part consider the difference between moral objectivism and moral relativism. In the second part articulate one normative theory. In the third part consider you own moral philosophy in relation to the previous two parts. For example, do you find yourself being more aligned with objectivism/relativism and the normative theory (e.g., duty theory, consequentialism, virtue ethics, etc.) that you discussed.
Resources:
Review the resources under Topic 1 in the syllabus. Utilize the video and IEP article first (links in syllabus), then the Introduction materials, the Timmons textbook, and other sources that you find helpful.
Review the resource listed in the syllabus on how to write a philosophical essay. Be sure that you understand the elements of writing an introduction and conclusion in philosophy--this is not the same type of introduction for an English 102 paper. For the body section follow the outline below closely and rather than the generic one.
Philosophical Writing:
Explain in your own words, as if you were teaching a concept to the class. You may use sources, but don't quote them unless absolutely necessary. I want to hear your philosophical voice.
Be sure not to skimp on Part 3. Part 3 is the most important section. It works to integrate your exploration and understanding with your own moral thinking.
Some Basics:
Where helpful, use examples. But don't fall into the trap of telling lengthy stories.
Any citation format is fine. This is not a research paper.
Use page numbers and 12-point font with double spacing.
Minimum length is three full pages, double spaced.
In addition to having an introduction and conclusion, divide your work into three main sections with a heading for each, such as "Part 1," "Part 2," and "Part 3." Within each of these sections include several paragraphs, not just one.
Suggested Outline with Prompts:
Introduction (you don't need to write the heading "Introduction"). Be sure to include the three elements of an introduction for a philosophy paper.
Part 1 Metaethics: Moral Objectivism or Relativism?
In this section define and explain the theories. Use one paragraph for objectivism and another paragraph for relativism. Can you give examples that demonstrate what each theory is and is not. If you need more than two paragraphs, that's fine.
Part 2 A Normative Ethical Theory
Present one of the major normative theories such as duty/deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, etc. Be effectively concise. After your first paragraph of explaining the theory, write two more paragraphs, one that analyzes the potential strengths and another that addresses the potential weakness. As a philosopher you must understand both; you are not taking sides at this stage.
Part 3 My Own Moral Code
This is the most important section of the paper, so don't cut it short. In one paragraph consider your own ethical thinking and the principles or people that inform it. What helps you determine right and wrong and where do you get this? Then, in at least one or two additional paragraphs address whether you are a moral objectivist and whether you subscribe to the normative theory that you described above.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
Attachment:- Dept-Text-Intro.rar