Assignment:
Description
Consider the following scenario, and then write 4 to 5 paragraphs on the following prompts.
Scenario:
World A. The land of good motives:
The good news about this world is that everyone living in it means well-- they always act on good intentions. The bbad news is that they aren't very smart-- they rarely achieve their intended consequences, and they often make things worse. There are few technological advances in this world, due to clumsiness. Even so, there are no ill- intentioned people living here. One can always find a friendly neighbor willing to lend a helping hand-- never mind that in helping, something is apt to break.
World B. The land of good consequences:
In this world, everyone is driven by greed-- every action is motivated by selfish considerations. Because of the money to be made from medical breakthroughs, there is virtually no physical illness in this world-- greed-driven research has led to cures for almost all diseases. Similar benefits account for technological breakthroughs in virtually every aspect of life. In terms of technology, this is utopia. But watch your back: the people in this world would sellout their best friend for a dime.
Instructions:
Write a short essay each on the following topics (it is up to you to find the right structure, order, and signposting):
- In which world would Mill find to be a morally better world? Why? Make sure to explain some aspects of Utilitarianism.
- In which world would Kant find to be a morally better world? Why? Make sure to explain some aspects of the Categorical Imperative.
- Which world do you think is closer (has more properties) to our world?
- Which would would you prefer, and why?
Write 4 to 5 paragraphs ( a full page) , answering the above questions. Make sure you give me evidence that you understand Kant and Mill. Explain some aspects of the Categorical Imperative. Cite Burnor and Raley. Remember, you are teaching a friend these philosophical theories. They don't know the scenario unless you explain it. It is up to you to select relevant quotes, follow structure, organize and order information, and cite, using the skills you've gained from "Professional writing: structure" and "APA helpsheet." Use your textbook only.
Writing Tip:
As always, follow instructions carefully as they instruct you on proper structure. Remember to explain each view (Utilitarianism and Deontology) to your reader, before you assess/ critique/ or give your own arguments.
Always separate your explanation of Kant from your explanation of Mill, and separate your assessment or critique of each (e.g. "I agree" is an assessment.)
See Media Gallery: "Structure," and "Professional writing: Structure" pdf in any module.
Cite in every paragraph that summarizes theories.
Cite as (author, year, page number) from Burnor and Raley only. See Media Gallery: "Citation," and "APA helpsheet" pdf in any module.
This structure is important for your reader's psychology:
1. Introduce an ethical dilemma,
2. Give your reader options (Apply theories),
3. Explain your own arguments for your position. Argument essays may also support your position using a theory, and give possible objections against your position using a theory. It is up to you how to structure your essay.