Instructions
PHIL 200 – Moral Compass Paper Assignment
Using the material you’ve read so far in the course, write a textbook researched argumentative paper of 600-800 words in which you accomplish the following:
Part I – Identify a Normative Ethical Theory
(i) Identify one moral theory (e.g. deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, etc.) you plan to learn more about in this course to help guide and reinforce your developing moral value system, and (ii) provide a brief but thorough explanation of that theory drawn from the course readings.
Be sure to include pertinent MLA inline citations of the Ethics textbook to help you accomplish this (this may involve briefly skimming ahead a little bit in the textbook to find out more about the particular theory you are most interested in [at this point]), and explain the main theoretical strengths that draw you to this particular theory.
Then (iii) point to at least one strong objection that this theory sometimes runs into (this can also be found in your textbook), stating whether you see such an objection as seriously damaging to the viability of the theory or not, or whether it is possible to still salvage the most desirable elements of the theory in spite of this particular objection.
Part II – Apply Your Chosen Normative Ethical Theory to an Ethical Dilemma
(i) Identify a contemporary ethical dilemma (this can be either a general humanitarian crisis, or even a personal situation from your own life) and analyze it along the lines of your chosen moral theory from Part I.
If you need some ideas for cases, you may refer to the Markula Center for Applied Ethics for a list of possible cases to analyze. https://www.scu.edu/ethics-spotlight/
(ii) Identify what you take to be the main parties (groups, persons) involved in the dilemma, and then (iii) suggest an ethical resolution to the problem that is in line with what that particular moral theory would advise in this specific situation.
Lastly, (iv) assess whether the end result of applying this particular moral theory to this particular moral issue, is morally satisfactory and praiseworthy or not, and explain why that is.
Include a works cited page at the end of your paper.
Criteria
Exemplary
Beginning
Did Not Attempt
Criterion Score
Follows Directions
10 points
The student clearly uses one of the templates and either the Markkula or Brown sites OR formats a personal paper to match one of the templates.
6.5 points
The student does not use the templates OR submits a personal paper that does not contain most of the components displayed on the template.
0 points
Did Not Attempt
Score of Follows Directions,
/ 10
Criteria
Exemplary
Accomplished
Developing
Beginning
Did Not Attempt
Criterion Score
Theory identification
10 points
The student clearly defines 1-3 theories in their own words with sources properly identified and documented (citation/references)
8.5 points
The student defines 1-3 theories but uses mostly quotations. The definitions are still clearly documented (citations/references)
7.5 points
The student defined 1-3 theories but has no documentation and the definitions may be inadequate or incorrect.
6.5 points
The student presents 1-3 moral theories, but the information does not represent a definition.
0 points
Did Not Attempt
Score of Theory identification,
/ 10
Criteria
Exemplary
Developing
Beginning
Did Not Attempt
Criterion Score
Theory Explanation
20 points
The student clearly explains how each theory is identified in terms of how it can/will be used to identify the “right” thing to do in various situations.
15 points
The student explains how each theory may be used in different situations but neglects details on how the theory can be used to justify actions.
13 points
The student offers an explanation, but it is inadequate or does not address justification for actions.
0 points
Did Not Attempt
Score of Theory Explanation,
/ 20
Criteria
Exemplary
Accomplished
Developing
Beginning
Did Not Attempt
Criterion Score
Compass Applied
50 points
The student clearly used the template and addressed all components and sub-components in addressing a topic from Markkula OR a legitimate pressing ethical situation.
42.5 points
The student clearly used the template and addressed most components addressing a topic from Markkula or a legitimate pressing ethical situation, but is incomplete, neglecting some components.
37.5 points
The student did not use a template and did not address most of the components OR chose a situation that is not clearly an ethical one. The student does not appear to understand the goal of this assignment but needs some recognition for effort.
32.5 points
The student did not use a template and clearly chose to use some other guide or model to address a nonethical situation. An attempt was made, but did not accomplish what was intended.
0 points
Did Not Attempt or the paper is clearly unrelated to the assignment.
Score of Compass Applied,
/ 50
Writing and Grammar
10 points
The student uses language consistent with at least sophomore-level writing, almost error-free with proper formatting per MLA or APA.
8.5 points
The student uses language consistent with at least sophomore-level writing but contains between 2 and 6 grammatical errors and/or is inconsistent with standard MLA or APA formatting
7.5 points
The student uses language that is less than consistent with sophomore-level writing and/or contains more than 6 grammatical and formatting errors.
6.5 points
The student uses English, but the writing is fraught with grammatical, style, and formatting errors.
0 points
Did Not Attempt or the paper is unreadable.
Score of Writing and Grammar,
/ 10
