You only need to answer 4 of the 5 questions. Pick any 4 you want.

1. It can hardly be denied that Ethics is fundamentally a social discipline. Look back at the Week One/Week Two Main Discussion board and respond briefly to other student's posts in a constructively critical fashion. Consider this like you would a direct response to the student’s posts but with reference to the text/lecture notes. Respond to this student’s post in a way that answers the question “What is ethics for you?” and “How has your idea of ethics changed based upon student responses and the material this far in the course?” Make sure you provide source support to explain how your ideas have changed and why you agree/disagree with other student’s responses to ethics. You may include any posts from the first two week discussion boards.

2. Utilitarianism or Kant’s Deontology? Which approach to ethics makes more sense and why? If you choose Utilitarianism, you should appeal to either J.S. Mill’s or Jeremy Bentham’s form of Utilitarianism. Make sure you assess the problem(s) of your chosen approach when answering the question.

3. Egoism. How important are the desires each of us have with respect to ethics? Which form of Egoism is the most realistic given your belief in the importance of our personal desires regarding ethical concerns? Use source support to clarify your answer.

4. Explain in your own words why Kant believes that killing another human being is always wrong. Based on what you’ve learned about Kant, can you find a way to make this claim consistent with Kant’s belief that killing an enemy in a just war is allowable, as is capital punishment in the case of convicted murderers?

5. Explain the differences between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. Use at least one example and include reference to the principle of utility.

Grading: You will be graded upon the following Criteria ranked by level of importance.

*Length of Document (If your assignment is not at least 1000 words, you will not receive a passing grade.)

Per question:

(1) Reasoning—Coherency and accuracy of ethical concepts (10 pts.)

(2) Clarity (5 pts.)

(3) External Sources/Text Citation (4 pts)

(4) Creativity/Individuality (4 pts)

(5) Grammar (2 pts.)

[If you cite the text, you should do so as such, (Palmer, p. 50). You can cite lecture material as (Miller), if necessary].

Length: Your answers should total at least 1000 words for the whole assignment.  This is the minimum requirement. If you do not write at least 1000 words, you will not receive a passing grade.  Make sure you meet the minimum word requirement. There is no maximum word length, so write as much as you need to answer each question. In answering these questions, remember that you are encouraged to express your own, “rational” view where appropriate.

Sources: You are encouraged to seek out other sources in answering your questions. Additional sources help me assess your level of creativity in grading. I have provided external links in the course that can be helpful in seeking additional sources. These sources are not limited to scholarly sources but can include personal, ethical experiences.