For Prof James ONLY

Choose one of the readings from chapters 2-6 and summarize, explain, and evaluate the main points of the reading in an argumentative essay in which you defend a thesis. Your essay should be between 4-5 paragraphs, including an intro and conclusion, and between 300-500 words. Do not include any direct quotations from the original  text. Instead, summarize the position, and include a citation to the original. Papers with direct quotations will be returned ungraded. Papers with uncited direct quotations are instances of plagiarism, and will be returned with a failing grade.

Attach your Reading Summary as a .doc or .docx file only.  For instructions about how to do this, or a link to word processing software, please review the syllabus.  Submissions that are simply copy/pasted into the box will be returned ungraded.

You may choose any one of the following readings to complete this assignment:

CHAPTER 1: Aristotle and the Question of Virtue: Why Bother Being Good?

The Virtues by Aristotle

CHAPTER 2: Wrong Is Always Wrong: Kant’s Categorical Imperative

The Categorical Imperative and the Good Will from Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals by Immanuel Kant

Concerning a Pretended Right to Lie from Motives of Humanity by Immanuel Kant

CHAPTER 3: Consequences Matter—Utilitarianism

The Principle of Utility by Jeremy Bentham

Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill

CHAPTER 4: Continental Perspectives

Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

Introduction to an Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone de Beauvoir

CHAPTER 5: Other Influential Moral Theories: Does Morality Depend on Culture, God, Nature, or Emotions?

Euthyphro by Plato

The Principles of Morals by David Hume