The final paper (5-6 full pages plus bibliography) will be an analysis of an issue, to be selected from a list of options, related to the understanding of ethics that is the subject of an unsettled debate. You will explore the competing perspectives on the chosen issue and draw your own conclusions. The final should follow the following format: double-spaced, 12-point, Times Roman Font, one- inch margins. Please use APA style citations (see https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/in_ text_citations_the_basics.html). It is to be submitted via the Turnitin link (found on Blackboard, under “Module 7”) Barring truly extenuating circumstances, reviewed on a case-by-case basis, you will lose 3 points for every 24 hours that the assignment is late (e.g., if you turn in the final on May 18th and you would have received 33/35 on the assignment, you will receive 30/35 after the 3-point deduction). The absolute last day to submit the final paper will be May 24th. Instructions: Begin by brainstorming on the following questions: What are the most important arguments that may be offered in support of the chosen view? What are the most important arguments that may be offered against that view? Which position would you defend? Why? What is the most important objection(s) to your position? How would you respond? Your essay should summarize the opposing arguments in the literature and present your own critical analysis of the evidence offered by the opposing sides. You should take a side in the debate and defend your position. The essay should start with an introduction, where you motivate the topic, briefly explain the debate, and present your argument. Including a roadmap will help the reader preview your analysis. For both sides of the debate, your essay should provide an overview of the literature on the topic, the main arguments that have been made, and the evidence that has been offered in support of those arguments. In your analysis, which should constitute the main portion of the essay, present your critical evaluation of the arguments and the evidence. The literature overview does not need to be comprehensive. Focus on the works, with emphasis on modern philosophical material, that you think are most important/influential. This means that before you start writing, you will need to critically read the literature to identify the works you will discuss. List of topics: 1) Can a government infringe on the privacy of its citizens to protect them? 2) When parents and physicians disagree on life-saving treatment, what is the ethical pathway? 3) If a person is not suffering from an incurable illness, is suicide ever morally permissible? 4) Is voluntary active euthanasia ever morally permissible? 5) Do human beings have an obligation to prevent environmental harm? 6) Is animal testing for non-essential medication morally wrong? 7) Is prostitution morally wrong? 8) Can terrorism ever be morally permissible? Writing tips: Before you start writing, think about what you want to argue (e.g., what points you want to make, what evidence you want to present, etc.) and develop an outline that indicates how you will demonstrate your argument. You should go through at least two drafts. As you write, you will likely discover new ideas and points that you will want to incorporate in the essay. In order to make sure that the essay is intellectually coherent, you must go back and revise. On that note, an essay is not a random collection of thoughts. Make sure to have a clear topic and good structure. Remember, if you cannot answer the 5 W’s, you do not yet have a clear argument. And, use transition words/sentences to guide the reader through your argument. Likewise, an essay is not an outline. So, develop your ideas. Do not simply state points, but expand on them/explain their importance and connections to other issues. Lastly, remember to put yourself the reader’s place. What questions would you raise if you were a knowledgeable reader unfamiliar with the topic? Revise your paper so as to provide sufficient information/evidence and to counter potential objections. Editing tips: Do not use slang, contractions, abbreviations, or text-message acronyms! Avoid overly long, complex sentences. Write in the active rather than the passive voice. When writing about the past, use the past tense. Avoid block quotes. Proofread your paper carefully (once on the computer and once in hard copy). Good luck! Do not wait until the last minute to start. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions at any stage of the brainstorming/writing process.
