Philosophy Paper / 4 pages / Good reasoned argument /Well supported / MLA / no plagiarism PLS CHECK ATTACHMENTS FOR THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES Discussion 1 - Relativism and Objectivism In this discussion

Philosophy Paper / 4 pages / Good reasoned argument /Well supported / MLA / no plagiarism

PLS CHECK ATTACHMENTS FOR THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES

Discussion 1 - Relativism and Objectivism

In this discussion, students will debate the competing moral theories of relativism and objectivism. In order to do this, of course, students must first demonstrate some basic knowledge of the competing theories. Therefore, before stating and defending their own position, students will first explain the pros and cons of each theory. 

Directions:

Compare relativism and objectivism by stating and describing the most significant appeals and flaws of each theory

State and defend which theory you find more convincing (consider using real-world examples to help illustrate your position). 

CCO #1: Demonstrate how critical analysis is central to the study and application of ethics 

CCO #2: Identify ways in which ethics is a dynamic subject which is responsive to new discoveries in related fields

CCO #10: Logically evaluate and analyze ethical arguments

Discussion 2: Euthanasia 

In this discussion, students will formulate and defend a position responding to the moral permissibility or impermissibility of euthanasia and assisted suicide. In other words, you'll be responding to the question, "What is the right thing to do in end-of-life situations?"

In your post, be sure to do the following:

Clearly state your position

Provide textual support from the module reading for your position 

Recognize and respond to potential criticisms of your position 

In addition to the module reading, here are some further resources on the issue 

http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Assisted_suicide

This source, debatepedia, provides a good overview of the issue of mercy killing/euthanasia. It also contains an extensive list of "reasons for vs. reasons against." While you are welcome to use this list as a departure point for your position, please be sure to find your support and cite your evidence from our module reading (Fieser, "The Question of Euthanasia"). 

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/02/01/382715046/family-struggles-with-fathers-wish-to-die-if-pain-overwhelms

This source provides a look at a man, Robert Schwimmer, who recently went through a similar process as the person described in your module reading. It describes his situation and includes a brief interview with him and some of his family members. 

CCO #1: Demonstrate how critical analysis is central to the study and application of ethics 

CCO #8: Utilize technology, correct writing, and communications to find, evaluate, use, and cite about ethical matters

CCO #10: Logically evaluate and analyze ethical arguments

Discussion 3:  Utilitarianism 

The Death Penalty Debate

Duration: 8:06 User: n/a - Added: 1/31/19

YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XltuOU1A8Sk

As you know by now, utilitarianism is not only a moral philosophy intended to guide one's personal behavior, but also a theory of justice that was developed with the intention of reconfiguring political systems and rethinking the basis of justifiable laws and policies. One of the many questions that utilitarianism must deal with then, is deciding what to do with people who have committed serious transgressions. This leads us to the issue of capital punishment (the death penalty). 

Directions: Watch the video, "The Death Penalty Debate" 

Create a discussion board post responding to the following prompt: 

Perform a utilitarian analysis to determine whether or not capital punishment is a morally permissible practice. In analyzing the practice of capital punishment, be sure to evaluate the issue from the perspective of utilitarianism, integrating references and quotations where relevant to help support your position.  

CCO #1: Demonstrate how critical analysis is central to the study and application of ethics

CCO #2: Identify ways in which ethics is a dynamic subject which is responsive to new discoveries in related fields

CCO #10: Logically evaluate and analyze ethical arguments

Discussion 4: Social Contract Theory 

Glenn Greenwald: Why privacy matters

Duration: 20:42 User: n/a - Added: 10/10/14

YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcSlowAhvUk

GOP's vocal defense of NSA surveillance

Duration: 3:20 User: n/a - Added: 6/12/13

YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iICJQs4qWk

For this discussion, students will apply the concepts they've learned in the module on social contract theory, looking specifically at the issue of government surveillance. 

Directions: 

Watch the video, "Glenn Greenwald: Why Privacy Matters" 

Watch the video, "GOP's vocal defense of NSA surveillance"

Create a discussion board post responding to the following prompt:

A key aspect of Hobbes' and Locke's social contract theories deals with trying to find the proper balance between security and liberty. Using the ideas of Hobbes and Locke, respond to the issue of government surveillance. What are the limits of justifiable government surveillance? How should the government balance its responsibilities of (a) maintaining security and (b) the protection of liberty?

In your response, be sure to substantiate your response with references and quotations to the readings to support your view.  

 Please note: students must first create a thread in order to view the other threads in this forum. Only after you post your discussion will you be able to read and comment on your peers' responses.

CCO #2: Identify ways in which ethics is a dynamic subject which is responsive to new discoveries in related fields 

CCO #4: Identify core ideas and famous thinkers from the teleological ethics tradition

CCO #10: Logically evaluate and analyze ethical arguments