Assingments % - Analyzing an Ethical Debate

This assignment is the first step in a three part project. You only need to focus on part one at this point. Each step will build on earlier steps. However, it is not a matter of providing a rough draft of all or even part of the entire project here in week three. That is, further steps might require completely new and original text. At the same time, completing each step will aid you in completing a future step or future steps. And, you should use the same topic in all steps.
First, select a topic of moral controversy, debate, disagreement, and dispute, Examples of such topics are euthanasia, the death penalty, abortion, cloning, etc. You can pick any such topic. It need not be listed here.
Next, detail the positions of each side of the ethical debate. Note at least two moral reasons each side presents to show their view on the topic is correct.
Now, we want to evaluate these positions using the moral theories we studied this week:
What would an Ethical Egoist say about this topic? What side would the Ethical Egoist take? What would the Ethical Egoist say to justify their moral position? Is there a conflict between loyalty to self and to community relevant to your topic? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
What would a Social Contract Ethicist say about this topic? What side would the Social Contract Ethicist take? What would the Social Contract Ethicist say to justify their moral position? Does your topic involve a collision between personal obligations and national ones? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
Finally, reference and discuss any professional code of ethics relevant to your topic such as the AMA code for doctors, the ANA code for nurses, or any other pertinent professional code. State whether and how your chosen topic involves any conflicts between professional and familial duties.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Analyzing an Ethical Debate

This assignment asks you to explore a moral controversy, evaluate it from two ethical perspectives, and discuss professional codes of ethics relevant to your chosen topic. Here’s a clear breakdown of how to complete each part of the assignment:

Step 1: Select Your Topic

Choose a Topic of Moral Controversy:
Pick a topic that has sparked moral debate or disagreement in society. Some examples include:
- Euthanasia
- The death penalty
- Abortion
- Cloning
- Animal rights
- Genetic engineering
- Capital punishment
- Gun control
Tip: Choose a topic that you feel comfortable analyzing from multiple ethical perspectives and that has enough resources to support your evaluation.

Step 2: Detail the Positions of Each Side

Identify the Two Sides of the Debate:
For any moral controversy, there are typically two (or more) sides. For instance, in the case of abortion, the two sides are pro-choice and pro-life.

For each side, identify at least two moral reasons that support their stance. These reasons could be based on values, beliefs, or outcomes they believe are important.
- Example for abortion:
  - Pro-choice: Women have the right to make decisions about their bodies; ensuring legal abortion protects women’s health.
  - Pro-life: Abortion is morally wrong because it ends a potential life; all life is sacred and must be protected.

Step 3: Evaluate the Positions Using Ethical Theories

Ethical Egoism:
- What would an Ethical Egoist say?
  Ethical Egoism is the belief that individuals should act in their self-interest. Consider how this theory would address the topic you’ve chosen.
- Which side would an Ethical Egoist take?
  Would they favor one side over the other? What reasoning would they provide based on their own interests or well-being?
- Justifying the Moral Position:
  What would the Ethical Egoist’s reasoning be for their stance? How does self-interest guide their position on the issue?
- Conflict between Loyalty to Self and Community:
  Does this topic present any issues about balancing individual desires versus what’s best for society or community? If so, how does the Ethical Egoist resolve this?
Example: An Ethical Egoist might support abortion rights if they believe a woman’s autonomy and personal choice should come first in terms of her well-being.
Social Contract Ethics:
- What would a Social Contract Ethicist say?
  The Social Contract theory suggests that moral and political obligations are based on agreements made by individuals within a society. How would this theory evaluate your topic?
- Which side would a Social Contract Ethicist take?
  Would they prioritize individual rights or societal rules and norms? How would they justify their stance on the issue?
- Collision Between Personal and National Obligations:
  Does your topic create a conflict between personal obligations (like individual rights) and national or societal obligations (like laws or regulations)? Discuss how Social Contract theory addresses this.
Example: A Social Contract Ethicist might weigh the collective good of society, advocating for laws that limit abortion but also recognizing a person’s autonomy in specific cases.

Step 4: Discuss Relevant Professional Codes of Ethics

Identify Professional Codes of Ethics: Depending on your topic, there may be professional codes of ethics that are relevant. For example, medical professionals have codes of ethics that guide decisions on controversial issues like euthanasia or abortion.

Examples:
- The AMA Code of Ethics (for doctors) may provide guidance on ethical issues like euthanasia or abortion.
- The ANA Code of Ethics (for nurses) may address ethical dilemmas in healthcare.
- Other professional codes (such as those for lawyers, social workers, or bioethicists) may also be relevant to your topic.
Address Conflicts Between Professional and Familial Duties: Consider whether your topic presents any conflicts between professional duties and familial or personal obligations. For example, a doctor’s duty to save a life may conflict with their personal belief system.
- Example: A physician who is against abortion may face a conflict when asked to provide counseling or treatment related to abortion services.

Step 5: Summarize and Discuss the Best Course of Action

After evaluating both sides of the ethical debate and considering the perspectives from Ethical Egoism and Social Contract Ethics, conclude with what you feel is the best course of action. This should be based on your analysis and how each theory and professional code aligns with the issue.

Tip: Consider practical implications, societal impact, and how both theories and professional ethics guide real-world decisions.

Step 6: Review the Rubric and Proofread

Check Your Work Against the Grading Rubric:
Before submitting, review the grading rubric to ensure your work meets all requirements, especially the clarity and depth of analysis.
Proofread for Grammar and Clarity:
Ensure that your reasoning is clear, your arguments are well-supported, and your paper flows logically.