Category: Ethics

For this forum, choose one of the following topics based upon this week’s assigned readings to respond to for your initial post. Be sure to include pertinent citations from the course textbook were applicable to help you clearly communicate your ideas and help make your major points stick.
When responding to your peers please attempt to respond to at least one learner who has posted who has posted on the topic you did not select to encourage a healthy mixture of ideas.
Topic A: Virtue Ethics
In the Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant (whom we will be reading more about this semester) writes that someone who is not inclined to help others, but who forces herself to, performs a morally praiseworthy action. While someone who regularly helps others and enjoys doing so, even if the enjoyment is not selfish, may deserve praise, but her action has no true moral worth. Do you agree with Kant? What reasons can you give for viewing moral acts that are performed merely out of habit as possessing less moral worth than those that require an immense personal effort?
We also saw in this week’s module, that according to Aristotle, for an act to be considered virtuous it must (1) be done for its own sake and (2) the act must follow from a firm disposition, meaning that it must be consistent with the way one usually acts and feels, and not be a one-shot incident. (Giles 30) Do you agree with Aristotle? What are the implications of these conditions on the perspicuity of moral acts, in contrast to Kant’s Deontological theory of right action? Does Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics entail the further possibility that one could live a morally virtuous life and yet not know it? If so, does this pose a problem for Virtue Ethics when viewed as a normative ethical theory? Why or why not?
Be sure to carefully defend your chosen position, citing pertinent sections of the readings for this week to help back up your view.
A minimum of three posts.
The initial forum response is due by Thursday at 11:55 p.m. EST and should be a substantive response to the discussion prompt.
For peer replies, respond to at least two of your classmates by Sunday at 11:55 p.m. EST and give meaningful replies that advance the discussion.
Before you post, please thoroughly edit your writing to ensure it is professional and academic, and includes properly cited MLA citations from our weekly course textbook readings. For more details about the initial post and peer replies are graded, see the attached grading rubric.

Using the material you’ve read so far in the course, write a textbook researched argumentative paper of 600-800 words in which you accomplish the following:
Part I – Identify a Normative Ethical Theory
(i) Identify one moral theory (e.g. deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, etc.) you plan to learn more about in this course to help guide and reinforce your developing moral value system, and (ii) provide a brief but thorough explanation of that theory drawn from the course readings.
Be sure to include pertinent MLA inline citations of the Ethics textbook to help you accomplish this (this may involve briefly skimming ahead a little bit in the textbook to find out more about the particular theory you are most interested in [at this point]), and explain the main theoretical strengths that draw you to this particular theory.
Then (iii) point to at least one strong objection that this theory sometimes runs into (this can also be found in your textbook), stating whether you see such an objection as seriously damaging to the viability of the theory or not, or whether it is possible to still salvage the most desirable elements of the theory in spite of this particular objection.
Part II – Apply Your Chosen Normative Ethical Theory to an Ethical Dilemma
(i) Identify a contemporary ethical dilemma (this can be either a general humanitarian crisis, or even a personal situation from your own life) and analyze it along the lines of your chosen moral theory from Part I.
If you need some ideas for cases, you may refer to the Markula Center for Applied Ethics for a list of possible cases to analyze. https://www.scu.edu/ethics-spotlight/
(ii) Identify what you take to be the main parties (groups, persons) involved in the dilemma, and then (iii) suggest an ethical resolution to the problem that is in line with what that particular moral theory would advise in this specific situation.
Lastly, (iv) assess whether the end result of applying this particular moral theory to this particular moral issue, is morally satisfactory and praiseworthy or not, and explain why that is.
Include a works cited page at the end of your paper.

Write a new essay that defends a specific thesis whose development references at least two clips from W3, D2 and one clip from W6, D2. You’re welcomed to reference more than three total clips, but you must reference at least three of them. Your midterm’s thesis must identify a theme, and defends a thesis, that somehow connects those myriad clips. You could also use some of those clips as potential objections to your thesis, if that facilitates the project. When referencing the clips, you can call them “First Clip, Week 3” or “First Clip, Week 6,” etc. The essay must be typed, double spaced, and in a 12 point font. It must be carefully composed, with an introduction, a thesis, and a conclusion. It should exhibit nice transitions between paragraphs and proper punctuation. Beyond these givens, what I really look for in a paper is depth of insight. Dig deep and say something interesting–something insightful.
Week 3 discussion 2
(For reference)
Consider the videos below and apply the concept of the uncanny valley to them. Which of the robots below leave you feeling like you’re in this valley, and why?)

Week 6 discussion 2
(For reference)
These clips concretely illustrate the idea of a human being developing unidirectional feelings for an inanimate object. So how to these clips enhance the points of the chapter? Don’t try to cover the whole chapter; rather, narrow your focus to one or two basic themes. Also, imagine the doll in the second clip being upgraded with a Sophia-level processor–i.e., the best AI available. How would this affect your thoughts about the relationship depicted in the clip?

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.
Cite the textbook and incorporate outside sources, including citations.
Requirements
Length: 3-4pages (not including title page or references page)
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font
Title page
References page (minimum of 2 scholarly sources in addition to the course textbook)

Hands-on Ethics Essay
Students will apply moral theories to write a 4-page essay that answers the question of whether we should help people who are suffering from hunger and poverty in the world.
Demonstrate your mastery of the lessons covered in this course by completing a hands-on ethics essay. Make sure, when discussing your position, to consider weaknesses carefully, as we have made a point to do throughout the course. Should we help others in the world who are suffering from hunger and poverty? Complete this assignment to guide your answer. Directions–Complete your essay by addressing the following:
In the first paragraph, briefly describe the problem of hunger and poverty in the world. In the same paragraph, answer the following question: should we help others who are suffering from hunger and poverty? State your answer to the question. This is the introduction for your paper. Note: your answer is the thesis statement for your paper and must take a clear side.
In the second paragraph, identify and define the moral theories from Units I and II being used for your argument in at least one, separate body paragraph before your reasons why or premises.
In at least three body paragraphs, provide at least three reasons why we should or should not help others suffering in the world. Note: your reasons why should apply the ideas of the moral theories defined in point 2 (i.e. we should help because it benefits the majority (result ethics or consequentialism), we should help because humans deserve help and it is the right thing to do (deontology), we should help because we are a global community (care ethics), etc.)
Identify weaknesses in your argument in at least one body paragraph after your premises or reasons why. What are the weaknesses of the moral theory or theories when applied to this topic? Has evidence for both sides been fully considered?
In the final paragraph, review the points that support your answer. This is the conclusion for your paper.
Your completed essay must be a minimum of four pages. Title and reference pages do not count toward total page requirement.
You must use and cite at least two sources; one source should come from the CSU Online Library. To locate an appropriate CSU Online Library source, refer to this library research guide for

1. Please double-space your answers.
2. The minimum word count is 500 words.
3. A complete final exam will address all three parts.
4. You are required to use 2 readings per a part, each must be from a different author.
This means you will use 6 different authors in total.
5. You are required to include 2 quotes per a part, each must be from a different
author. This means you will have 6 quotes in total, each from a different author.
6. Quotes and the bibliography are excluded from your word count.
7. You must include page numbers for quotes, e.g., (Held, 11). If no page number is
available, please cite as follows: (Kalulu).
8. Include word count (minus quotes) at the top
The goal is to assess your comprehension of course material and your ability
to successfully make connections across material, you must define key terminology (e.g., what is an echo chamber?) and explain
central arguments (e.g., what is Held’s argument against abstraction?) when answering.
Part I:
Please
select two options from the following: (1) deontology, (2) virtue ethics, (3)
utilitarianism, and (4) care ethics.
 Explain each theory and its key terms.
 Explain one significant difference between the two and one point of similarity.
Part II:
Pick one of the theories from your answer in Part I and
choose two items from the list
below. For each item separately, explain what the problem is (or one of the problems)
and what kind of action the theory would recommend you take. Because this answer
builds on your prior one, you should not re-explain the theory again here.
1. Low Rights Environments
2. Astro-colonialism
https://www.vice.com/en/article/k78mnz/spacexs-satellite-megaconstellations-are-astrocolonialism-indigenous-advocates-say
3. Epistemic Bubbles & Echo Chambers
https://aeon.co/essays/why-its-as-hard-to-escape-an-echo-chamber-as-it-is-to-flee-a-cult
4. Racism in A.I. and High-Tech Homelessness
5. Effective Altruism
Part III:
Centered around the role of structural injustice in ethical thinking. One of the
central topics was invisibility (Akiko Busch). Using a specific example of structural injustice, explain the
role of invisibility and how it contributes to this injustice. Finally, provide one example of
how invisibility can be used to resist injustice.

Hands-on Ethics Essay
Students will apply moral theories to write a 4-page essay that answers the question of whether we should help people who are suffering from hunger and poverty in the world.
Demonstrate your mastery of the lessons covered in this course by completing a hands-on ethics essay. Make sure, when discussing your position, to consider weaknesses carefully, as we have made a point to do throughout the course. Should we help others in the world who are suffering from hunger and poverty? Complete this assignment to guide your answer. Directions–Complete your essay by addressing the following:
In the first paragraph, briefly describe the problem of hunger and poverty in the world. In the same paragraph, answer the following question: should we help others who are suffering from hunger and poverty? State your answer to the question. This is the introduction for your paper. Note: your answer is the thesis statement for your paper and must take a clear side.
In the second paragraph, identify and define the moral theories from Units I and II being used for your argument in at least one, separate body paragraph before your reasons why or premises.
In at least three body paragraphs, provide at least three reasons why we should or should not help others suffering in the world. Note: your reasons why should apply the ideas of the moral theories defined in point 2 (i.e. we should help because it benefits the majority (result ethics or consequentialism), we should help because humans deserve help and it is the right thing to do (deontology), we should help because we are a global community (care ethics), etc.)
Identify weaknesses in your argument in at least one body paragraph after your premises or reasons why. What are the weaknesses of the moral theory or theories when applied to this topic? Has evidence for both sides been fully considered?
In the final paragraph, review the points that support your answer. This is the conclusion for your paper.
Your completed essay must be a minimum of four pages. Title and reference pages do not count toward total page requirement.
You must use and cite at least two sources; one source should come from the CSU Online Library. To locate an appropriate CSU Online Library source, refer to this library research guide for

1. Please double-space your answers.
2. The minimum word count is 500 words.
3. A complete final exam will address all three parts.
4. You are required to use 2 readings per a part, each must be from a different author.
This means you will use 6 different authors in total.
5. You are required to include 2 quotes per a part, each must be from a different
author. This means you will have 6 quotes in total, each from a different author.
6. Quotes and the bibliography are excluded from your word count.
7. You must include page numbers for quotes, e.g., (Held, 11). If no page number is
available, please cite as follows: (Kalulu).
8. Include word count (minus quotes) at the top
The goal is to assess your comprehension of course material and your ability
to successfully make connections across material, you must define key terminology (e.g., what is an echo chamber?) and explain
central arguments (e.g., what is Held’s argument against abstraction?) when answering.
Part I:
Please
select two options from the following: (1) deontology, (2) virtue ethics, (3)
utilitarianism, and (4) care ethics.
 Explain each theory and its key terms.
 Explain one significant difference between the two and one point of similarity.
Part II:
Pick one of the theories from your answer in Part I and
choose two items from the list
below. For each item separately, explain what the problem is (or one of the problems)
and what kind of action the theory would recommend you take. Because this answer
builds on your prior one, you should not re-explain the theory again here.
1. Low Rights Environments
2. Astro-colonialism
https://www.vice.com/en/article/k78mnz/spacexs-satellite-megaconstellations-are-astrocolonialism-indigenous-advocates-say
3. Epistemic Bubbles & Echo Chambers
https://aeon.co/essays/why-its-as-hard-to-escape-an-echo-chamber-as-it-is-to-flee-a-cult
4. Racism in A.I. and High-Tech Homelessness
5. Effective Altruism
Part III:
Centered around the role of structural injustice in ethical thinking. One of the
central topics was invisibility (Akiko Busch). Using a specific example of structural injustice, explain the
role of invisibility and how it contributes to this injustice. Finally, provide one example of
how invisibility can be used to resist injustice.

Hands-on Ethics Essay
Students will apply moral theories to write a 4-page essay that answers the question of whether we should help people who are suffering from hunger and poverty in the world.
Demonstrate your mastery of the lessons covered in this course by completing a hands-on ethics essay. Make sure, when discussing your position, to consider weaknesses carefully, as we have made a point to do throughout the course. Should we help others in the world who are suffering from hunger and poverty? Complete this assignment to guide your answer. Directions–Complete your essay by addressing the following:
In the first paragraph, briefly describe the problem of hunger and poverty in the world. In the same paragraph, answer the following question: should we help others who are suffering from hunger and poverty? State your answer to the question. This is the introduction for your paper. Note: your answer is the thesis statement for your paper and must take a clear side.
In the second paragraph, identify and define the moral theories from Units I and II being used for your argument in at least one, separate body paragraph before your reasons why or premises.
In at least three body paragraphs, provide at least three reasons why we should or should not help others suffering in the world. Note: your reasons why should apply the ideas of the moral theories defined in point 2 (i.e. we should help because it benefits the majority (result ethics or consequentialism), we should help because humans deserve help and it is the right thing to do (deontology), we should help because we are a global community (care ethics), etc.)
Identify weaknesses in your argument in at least one body paragraph after your premises or reasons why. What are the weaknesses of the moral theory or theories when applied to this topic? Has evidence for both sides been fully considered?
In the final paragraph, review the points that support your answer. This is the conclusion for your paper.
Your completed essay must be a minimum of four pages. Title and reference pages do not count toward total page requirement.
You must use and cite at least two sources; one source should come from the CSU Online Library. To locate an appropriate CSU Online Library source, refer to this library research guide for

1. Please double-space your answers.
2. The minimum word count is 500 words.
3. A complete final exam will address all three parts.
4. You are required to use 2 readings per a part, each must be from a different author.
This means you will use 6 different authors in total.
5. You are required to include 2 quotes per a part, each must be from a different
author. This means you will have 6 quotes in total, each from a different author.
6. Quotes and the bibliography are excluded from your word count.
7. You must include page numbers for quotes, e.g., (Held, 11). If no page number is
available, please cite as follows: (Kalulu).
8. Include word count (minus quotes) at the top
The goal is to assess your comprehension of course material and your ability
to successfully make connections across material, you must define key terminology (e.g., what is an echo chamber?) and explain
central arguments (e.g., what is Held’s argument against abstraction?) when answering.
Part I:
Please
select two options from the following: (1) deontology, (2) virtue ethics, (3)
utilitarianism, and (4) care ethics.
 Explain each theory and its key terms.
 Explain one significant difference between the two and one point of similarity.
Part II:
Pick one of the theories from your answer in Part I and
choose two items from the list
below. For each item separately, explain what the problem is (or one of the problems)
and what kind of action the theory would recommend you take. Because this answer
builds on your prior one, you should not re-explain the theory again here.
1. Low Rights Environments
2. Astro-colonialism
https://www.vice.com/en/article/k78mnz/spacexs-satellite-megaconstellations-are-astrocolonialism-indigenous-advocates-say
3. Epistemic Bubbles & Echo Chambers
https://aeon.co/essays/why-its-as-hard-to-escape-an-echo-chamber-as-it-is-to-flee-a-cult
4. Racism in A.I. and High-Tech Homelessness
5. Effective Altruism
Part III:
Centered around the role of structural injustice in ethical thinking. One of the
central topics was invisibility (Akiko Busch). Using a specific example of structural injustice, explain the
role of invisibility and how it contributes to this injustice. Finally, provide one example of
how invisibility can be used to resist injustice.