Choose one of the readings from chapters 2-6 and summarize, explain, and evaluate the main points of the reading in an argumentative essay in which you defend a thesis.
Your essay should be between 4-5 paragraphs, including an intro and conclusion, and between 300-500 words.
Do not include any direct quotations from the original text. Instead, summarize the position, and include a citation to the original. Papers with direct quotations will be returned ungraded.
Papers with uncited direct quotations are instances of plagiarism, and will be returned with a failing grade.
Attach your Reading Summary as a .doc or .docx file only. For instructions about how to do this, or a link to word processing software, please review the syllabus.
Submissions that are simply copy/pasted into the box will be returned ungraded.
You may choose any one of the following readings to complete this assignment:
CHAPTER 1: Aristotle and the Question of Virtue: Why Bother Being Good?
The Virtues by Aristotle
CHAPTER 2: Wrong Is Always Wrong: Kant's Categorical Imperative
The Categorical Imperative and the Good Will from Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals by Immanuel Kant
Concerning a Pretended Right to Lie from Motives of Humanity by Immanuel Kant
CHAPTER 3: Consequences Matter-Utilitarianism
The Principle of Utility by Jeremy Bentham
Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill
CHAPTER 4: Continental Perspectives
Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
Introduction to an Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone de Beauvoir
CHAPTER 5: Other Influential Moral Theories: Does Morality Depend on Culture, God, Nature, or Emotions?
Euthyphro by Plato
The Principles of Morals by David Hume