Applying an Ethical Theory
> Please read these assignment instructions before writing your paper, and
> re-read them often during and after the writing process to make sure that
> you are fulfilling all of the instructions.
>
> *Overview*
> The following short essay assignment is designed to help prepare you for an
> important part of the Final Paper. In this essay, you will do the
> following:
>
> – Choose either the same ethical problem or question you discussed in
> the Week One Assignment, or a different one from the list of acceptable
> topics.
> – Choose either utilitarian or deontological ethical theory to apply to
> the ethical question.
> – Explain the core principles of that theory.
> – Demonstrate how the principles of the theory support a certain
> position on that question.
> – Articulate a relevant objection to the theory on the basis of that
> argument.
>
> *Instructions*
> Write a five paragraph essay that conforms to the requirements below. The
> paper must be 600 to 900 words in length (excluding title and reference
> pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford
> Writing Center. The paragraphs of your essay should conform to the
> following guidelines:
>
> 1. *Introduction*
> The introduction should be one paragraph, no more than 120 words. This
> should clearly delimit the ethical problem or question under
> consideration,
> and define the essential issues. You may build upon the problem you
> raised
> in the Week One Assignment, or you may choose a different topic, but it
> must be from the list of acceptable topics. The last sentence of the
> introduction should briefly summarize the conclusion or position on this
> issue that you think is best supported by this theory, and succinctly
> state
> what the objection will be. Remember that your essay will not be
> concerned
> with your own position on this issue, but what someone defending the
> chosen
> theory would conclude.
>
> 2. *Body Paragraphs*
> Each paragraph in the body should start with a topic sentence that
> clearly identifies the main idea of the paragraph. Each paragraph should
> have at least four sentences.
> 1. *Theory explanation:*
> This should be approximately 150words explaining the core principles
> or features of the deontological or utilitarian theory and the
> general
> account of moral behavior it provides.
> – You must quote from at least one required resource that defends
> or represents that theory. Please view this list of acceptable
> resources
>
> <http://vizedhtmlcontent.next.
> .
> 2. *Application:*
> This should be approximately 150 words, and should address how the
> principles or features of the deontological or utilitarian
> theory apply to
> the problem or question under consideration and identify the
> specific moral
> conclusion that results from that application.
> – Your application should clearly show how the conclusion follows
> from the main tenets of the theory as addressed in the
> previous paragraph.
> Please see the associated guidance for help in fulfilling
> this requirement.
> 3. *Objection:*
> This should be approximately 150 words raising a relevant objection
> to the argument expressed in part “b.” A relevant objection is one
> that
> exposes a weakness in the theory as it applies to your problem,
> and so you
> should explain how it brings out this weakness.
> – Note that this does not necessarily mean that the objection
> succeeds, or that the conclusion the theory supports is
> wrong. It may be an
> obstacle that any adequate defense of the conclusion would have to
> overcome, and it may be the case that the theory has the resources
> to
> overcome that obstacle. Your task here is simply to raise the
> objection or
> present the “obstacle”.
>
> 3. *Conclusion*
> The conclusion should be one paragraph, no more than 150 words. The
> conclusion should very briefly summarize the main points of your essay
> and
> must contain a paraphrased restatement of your thesis.
>
> *Resources Requirements:*
>
> – You must use at least two resources to support your claims.
> – At least one of the resources should be one of the Required or
> Recommended resources that directly represent the theory you have
> chosen,
> and must be drawn from the list of acceptable resources
>
> <http://vizedhtmlcontent.next.
> .
> – The other source should pertain to the particular issue you are
> writing about, and should be drawn from the Required or Recommended
> readings in the course, or found in the Ashford Library.
> – You are encouraged to use additional resources, so long as at least
> two conform to the requirements above.
> – The textbook does not count toward satisfying the resources
> requirement.
> – To count toward satisfying the requirement, resources must be cited
> within the body of your paper and on the reference page and formatted
> according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.