Provide a thorough DISCUSSION of at least two (2) competing/opposing viewpoints in the contemporary debate on your selected moral issue.

This writing assignment is intended to offer the student an opportunity to demonstrate his/her understanding of one of the contemporary moral issues covered in this course and the multi-faceted debate surrounding that issue.  In addition, the student will be expected to give evidence of his/her skills in evaluating competing philosophical views, explaining and defending his/her views on the issues raised, and a general proficiency in writing an argumentative essay.

Instructions

Select one of the following contemporary moral issues as the topic for your paper.

                  EUTHANASIA

                  THE DEATH PENALTY

                  GENDER (SPECIFICALLY HUMAN TRAFFICING)

                  WORLD HUNGER OR POVERTY

                  TREATMENT OF ANIMALS

                  ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

Construct a good philosophical essay that includes all of the items/parts outlined below:

1.      Identify in your title and on the title/cover page the contemporary moral issue you will examine. (Total possible points for this item: 10 pts.)

2.      Offer a SUMMARY of the major issues, concepts, and distinctions relevant to the contemporary moral issue you have selected. (Suggestion: You may want to pattern this section of your paper after the “Introduction to the Moral Issues” section that Hinman includes at the beginning of each chapter in his book.) [Approximate length of this section should be about 1 page.] (Total possible points for this item: 35 pts.)

3.      Provide a thorough DISCUSSION of at least two (2) competing/opposing viewpoints in the contemporary debate on your selected moral issue.  Be sure to mention the major claims of each viewpoint and examine important arguments offered in support of these claims.  Carefully evaluate each viewpoint and then explain how each viewpoint addresses or responds to the important distinctions that drive the moral debate on the selected issue. [Approximate length of this section should be at least 2 pages.] (Total possible points for this item: 55 pts.)

4.      EVAluate and explain which of the alternative viewpoints you personally favor or embrace. [If you want to reject both viewpoints discussed under item #2 above and offer a third, alternative viewpoint, you may do so.  Be sure to offer a thorough explanation of this alternative viewpoint if you choose this option.]  Explain your reasons for adopting whatever viewpoint you embrace.  Be sure you respond/answer the major arguments of the opposing viewpoint as part of the statement of your viewpoint.  Defend your viewpoint and explain why it is superior to the one(s) you rejected. [Approximate length of this section should be at least 1 page.] (Total possible points for this item: 40 pts.)