The student will write a research paper on an applied ethics topic of his or her choice. Some examples of appropriate topics of consideration are abortion, war, animal rights, freedom of speech, capit

The student will write a research paper on an applied ethics topic of his or her choice. Some examples of appropriate topics of consideration are abortion, war, animal rights, freedom of speech, capital punishment, criminal justice, and issues which pertain to sexuality, the family, marriage, and parenting.  The preceding list of examples is not exhaustive.  The world is full of ethical issues and questions. Research must be internally documented, and there must be a works cited or bibliography page. At least five sources are needed. The sources should be academic sources from the literature of philosophical ethics. At least two of your sources should be academic peer reviewed journal articles. The paper must have at least four full pages of content.

A good paper will identify and explain the various arguments that come from the various perspectives that regard this issue. Do your best to use the writings of academic, philosophical ethicists. In other words, social scientists and journalists may give us good information concerning a topic, but they are NOT ethicists. Description is not the same as prescription. Try to be as objective and fair as possible when dealing with differing perspectives. Use all that you have studied so far this semester to help you analyze the ethical arguments you encounter in your study.