Directions: Answer ONE of the following questions, in 3 typed, double-spaced pages (12-point font).
The Utilitarian Thesis: The right act is always the act that maximizes pleasure/happiness or minimizes pain/unhappiness.
Critical-Thinking Question: Why does a consequentialist (utilitarian) normative theory give a better account of moral rightness?
Give an example of an act that, according to deontological theory, is intrinsically bad, and cannot be made good by any good consequences that it brings about. Then, give an argument for why the good consequences of the act do make it right, i.e. a utilitarian argument.
The Kantian (Deontological) Thesis: Some acts are intrinsically bad and cannot be made good by the goodness of their consequences.
Critical-Thinking Question: Why does a Kantian (deontological) normative theory give a better account of moral rightness?
Give an example of a prima facie wrong act, and explain why, according to the utilitarian view, that act is justified if it maximizes good consequences. Be sure to explain what the utilitarian means bygood. Then give an argument for why the good consequences of the proposed act cannot make it right, i.e. a deontological argument.
Grading Rubric:
1.Essay demonstrates and understanding of the material.The student has explained correctly the philosophical problem, and has done so in his or her own words.
50 points
2.Essay has a clear argument.Each paragraph (after the explanation of the problem) develops the argument, there is logical continuity from one paragraph to the next.
30 points
3.Essay is technically correct.The essay has been proofread and is written in complete sentences. There are no mistakes in spelling, word choice, grammar, or punctuation.
20 points
