Philosophy Essay
Answer each of the questions below. (Do NOT retype the question on your paper. Simply type your answer corresponding to questions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each essay must be one full typed page each, double-spaced in Times New Roman size12 font. Be sure to label your paper with your name, the date and course section number ALL on the first top line. It's due on Friday, November 3, 2017. Late papers will only be accepted with a written excuse from an appropriate University office.
Assigned readings and outside references may be cited in MLA format.
Consider the Following:
On September 18, 2017 Hurricane Maria hit the Island of Puerto Rico leaving millions of Americans without electric power in its aftermath. The power outage has had a devastating effect on health care, education and businesses. The federal government has been moving very slowly to support recovery efforts. The President of the United States has tweeted about the three million Americans who live on the Island, "They want everything done for them." As of October 31, 2017, 75% of the island remains without power. Answer the following questions in light of these events.
1) Which of the Aristotelian virtues demands federal support for disaster-relief efforts in Puerto Rico? Explain your answer. Would any of the Aristotelian virtues justify not supporting disaster-relief efforts in Puerto Rico? Explain your answer.
2) Use the formula for Kant's categorical imperative to test the universalizability of providing U.S. federal aid to 3 million Americans who are disaster victims. Are there inevitable negative consequences? Explain your answer.
3) Perform a utilitarian calculation of the federal governments reluctance to aid Puerto Rico. Are there any positive or pleasurable aspects that would justify the pain of those who are presently suffering? Identify the negative and painful aspects of these events.
4) By what social contracts does the federal government have a moral obligation to aid Puerto Rico. Are there any social contracts, by which the government can avoid sending aid?