Category: Ethics

ETH 2050
Final Essay Instructions and Prompts.
I.             
Instructions
& Requirements
·      Choose from one of the three
essay prompts below and respond with an essay of 1250-1750
words. There should be a re-stating of the prompt, a thesis, key supporting points,
evidence from the texts we’ve used in class, a conclusion, and a works cited page.
o  
You must reference at
least three sources from the course’s required reading for this assignment.
§ 
Outside sources will not count toward the three-source requirement.
o  
Late papers will be
penalized 10 points per 24 hours late.
§  Paper must be: 1) free of spelling
and grammatical errors;
2) 12-point font, double-spaced; 3) Be within the designated word count range.
Papers must include a works cited page
and proper in-text citations. Failure
to follow these specifications will result in penalties.
II.          
Prompts
·     
Religious Discourse and Social Change
o   Utilizing the categories of religious discourse and social change
supplied by Grelle, select and categorize three thinkers we visited in the
second half of class into either a reformative, revolutionary, or
transformative approach. Then, argue which thinker’s arguments are most
successful in sparking social change. Provide evidence to support your claim.
o   Your thesis should go like this: “While we analyzed many discursive and religious strategies for
creating social change this semester, I argue that the X approach taken by Y
(theorist) is the most effective.”  
§  From there, you will want to explain why you identified this thinker as
the most effective and offer two other thinkers who take different approaches
that you find less compelling. Provide evidence that supports your positions.
·      Religion, Race, Gender, &
Sexuality.
o   In Audre Lorde’s “The Master’s Tools,” she writes that “without community, there is no
liberation, only the most vulnerable and temporary armistice between an
individual and her oppression. But community must not mean a shedding of our
differences, nor the pathetic pretense that these differences do not exist.”
Instead, if we want to create lasting, transformative change for a better
world, we must learn “how to take our differences and make them strengths, for
the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us
temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring
about genuine change” (2).
§  Write an essay arguing that one of the
other religious approaches in this unit exudes what Lorde suggests above. After
providing an intro and thesis, a successful essay will (1) contextualize and
parse the meaning of Lorde’s statement quoted above and (2) identify another
author in the Race, Gender, and Sexuality unit that successfully implements or
embodies Lorde’s suggested approach. To draw attention more sharply to your
chosen author’s methodology, you will then (3) identify and compare their work
with another author who does not embody or oppose Lorde’s difference-centered
approach to social change.[1]
You should then
provide a conclusion summarizing your steps and argument.
·      Religion, Violence, and
Non-Violence:
o  
Using
texts from this section of our course, write an essay arguing whether certain
religious thinkers can work together to assess and determine if martial action is
just or unjust in a given situation.
§ 
After
stating your thesis, this essay should first (1) define just war theory and
give the reader a brief introduction to the concept; second (2) it should
introduce the parties[2]
you have chosen to analyze and their positions regarding the just war debate (for
example, are you comparing Christian pacifists—like Yoder and Hauerwas—with
advocates of just war theory—like Kelsay—or are you comparing Kelsay & the
writers of the open Letter to ISIS?); then (3) you should bring these two
groups into conversation with one another and provide compelling evidence
through comparison that reinforces your thesis. You should then provide a
conclusion that summarizes your steps and argument.
III.        
Grading Criteria
·     
Do you follow directions? Does the essay respond to the prompt? Do
you write on what I am asking for? Are there in-text citations, and is there a work
cited page?
·     
Is the thesis clear? This is the most essential part of any essay.
Please, God almighty, don’t make me find your thesis. It should be
painfully obvious where and what it is. 
·     
Does your argument support your thesis? Is it logically consistent?
Each section of your essay should buttress the previous part and prime the
reader for the next section.
·     
Grammar and syntax. If I am the first person to read your essay
(other than yourself), you’re doing college wrong. Find a friend that you trust
to give your paper a once over. You’d be surprised by how much your peers can
help you with this.
·     
Does the essay display a mastery of the material you are writing on?
Does the essay feel clunky? Or does the writer feel completely comfortable with
the ideas they are wielding?
o  
For each of these criteria/questions, choose the following answer
§ 
100% Yesà
“A”
§ 
Yes, with only a few exceptionsà “B.”
§ 
For the most part, yesà “C”
§ 
Not really…à
“D”
§ 
Nope. Not even closeà “F”
[1] (For example, you could argue that
Tonstad understands the importance of difference for the sake of change, which
is why in her Queer Theology, she argues queer theology must not merely
be about the inclusion of queer people into heteronormative spaces. Or you
could say that MLK Jr’s Letter rejects the master tools as the only
means for creating change in his critique of the white moderate pastors who
disagreed and denounced his acts of civil disobedience.)
[2] Since this is a comparative argument,
there must be at least two groups or thinkers you are working with. I suggest
you only do two groups due to the word limit. 
Readings to use:
1. The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House
Audre Lorde
https://collectiveliberation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Lorde_The_Masters_Tools.pdf
2.  Jones, Feminist Theory, Ch. 2, Women’s Nature

3. Womanist Theology EMILIE M. TOWNES
https://ir.vanderbilt.edu/bitstream/handle/1803/8226/Townes-WomanistTheology.pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=1

Reflection 1
Reflections Content
Write a short reflection statement (350-500 words) after reading Chapter 2. Use complete sentences and correct academic writing to complete this assignment. Make sure to look at the appendix for further help in writing a good philosophy paper!
Respond in writing to this question:
Do you think that conventional ethical relativism is true? Explain why or why not, evaluating at least one of the benefits and at least one of the criticisms of the theory in your answer.
Reflection 2
Reflections Content
Write a short reflection statement (350-500 words) after reading Chapter 3. Use complete sentences and correct academic writing to complete this assignment.
Respond in writing to this question:
Explain Aquinas’s doctrine of double effect. Do you agree with this doctrine? Does it give the right answers to moral questions? Explain the position the doctrine of double effect leads to on abortion – do you agree with this position? Explain why or why not.

Reflection 7
Reflections Content
Write a short reflection statement (350-500 words) after reading Chapter 12. Use complete sentences and correct academic writing to complete this assignment.
Respond in writing to this question:
Does religion enhance moral life? Explain and justify your answer, explaining at least one point given in “The Case for Religion” and at least one point given in “The Case against Religion”.
Reflection 8
Reflections Content
Write a short reflection statement (350-500 words) after reading Chapter 14. Use complete sentences and correct academic writing to complete this assignment.
Respond in writing to this question:
Explain Mackie’s argument against moral realism, be sure to explain at least two of his arguments against it. Do you agree with him that morality is simply a human invention? Explain why or why not.

Please locate your state, locality, or organization’s ethics code. Joe Murphy and Wen Swenson list a series of questions that one should ask when one is to abide by that code.  You can find them at 
Singerpubs . (http://www.singerpubs.com/ethikos/html/selectedarticles.htm) 
The questions range from whether there should be one or more codes to whether it is outdated given new technology (think social media) to does it lead to other sources to better explain the concepts. Please apply at least 7 of the questions to your code. You may simply list the question then give the explanation using your code.  
The code should be for Trenton NJ

Please prepare a short response to each numbered statement. 
1. B. Hernandez
The City of Miami Police Department has a detailed code of ethics and standard working procedures that tell officers how to act and make decisions. “20 Questions to Ask About Your Code of Conduct” by Joe Murphy and Wen Swenson can be used to test this ethics code to ensure it is solid and valuable. Seven of those questions were used to look at the code for the Miami Police Department: 
Does the code address conflicts of interest? The Miami Police Department’s code stresses honesty and integrity, especially in areas where there is a chance of a conflict of interest, like working with money and people. Officers are supposed to stay away from events that could make them less fair or objective. 
Does the code provide clear guidance on ethical decision-making? The code describes specific situations and gives police step-by-step instructions to follow. This makes sure that moral concerns are part of their daily work. This includes rules about how to use force, deal with proof, and talk to people in the community. 
Is there a mechanism for reporting unethical behavior? The Miami Police Department has set up straightforward ways for people to report illegal behavior. For example, an Internal Affairs Section’s job is to look into complaints and ensure people are held accountable. This makes police and the public more likely to report violations without worrying about getting in trouble. 
2. C. Pierce
The Tennessee Ethical Standards for Officials and Employees for Public Officers and Employees can be found here: https://sos-tn-gov-files.tnsosfiles.com/Tennessee_Code_Title_8_Chapter_17_-%20Ethical%20Standards.pdf
I found an article that presented as the Code of Conduct, but felt the above article would be more fitting. 
Seven Questions
Does the code cover newly developing risks?
No, the file has not been updated and is from 2014. While the information is relevant, it does not discuss the use of newer technology, such as AI, computer use, data privacy, reporting violations, fairness, and many other aspects. 
Does the code include examples?
No examples are included. It would be helpful if examples were included.
Is the format inviting and effective?
Yes, the format is inviting and effective, but it needs more detailed. It is organized well and properly formatted. It gives information on definitions needed, but for the “History” section, it does not relay back to any information to the normal reader.
Does the code lead to other information sources?
Yes, it references back to Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.) and specific chapters but there is no cited source so it is not helpful. 
Is the code translated?
I have not found this document translated in other languages; I have found other Code of Ethics documents from Tennessee for Social Workers translated into Spanish.
Does the code go to all employees?
Yes, it goes to all officials and employees in the public sector at all levels from my understanding.
Is your code ethical and legal?
While I don’t have a degree in law, I have read the information and I don’t see anything that is not ethical or not legal.
3. E. Jones
Georgia state ethics code overview using Joe Murphy and Wen Swenson list of questions.
1. Does the code cover newly developing risks?
After reviewing the ethics code, it was last signed April 1, 2021, by the Georgia governor Brian Kemp, it does specifically cover newly updates but rely on updates, evolving situations, or recommendations from agencies to address any legal issues to consider when updating. If new issues arise not covered by the current ethics code will require the agency to consult their ethics officer or legal counsel.
2. What do you tell employees about raising questions?
Any questions being raised should be discussed to maintain transparency and ethical conduct. Some key points discovered is employees should be able to openly communicate by asking questions without fear or reprisal and encourage an open-door policy. The whistleblower protection is also available to inform employees about whistleblower protections and being able to suspect wrongdoing and report it without fear of retaliation. Georgia has an ethics hotline where employees are free to use as a reporting mechanism allowing confidential reporting. Regular training will help to navigate conflicts of interest or misuse of resources. Open communication allows agencies to foster a culture of integrity.
3. Do employees certify to the code?
Yes, employees certify to code by reading and acknowledging ethical guidelines. This reinforces commitment to high standards of conduct.

Homework: Answer the following questions. Submit your answers via the
“Assignments” navigation bar on D2L before 11:59 pm on Monday, Jun. 24th.
1. According to Ross, utilitarianism implies that the only morally significant
relation in which other people stand to you is that of being possible
beneficiaries of your action. What, according to Ross, are some other
morally significant relations? Explain how these relations can generate
special obligations.
2. What does Ross mean by a ‘prima facie duty’? What is the difference
between a prima facie duty and an actual moral duty?
3. Ross lists seven prima facie duties. What are they?
4. What does it mean to say that utilitarianism ignores, or does not do full
justice to, the highly personal character of duty?
5. How does Ross respond to the objection that his list of prima facie duties is
“unsystematic” and rests on no logical principle? Do you find his response
to be persuasive? Why or why not?
6. How does Ross respond to the objection that his theory fails to give a
principle by which we can, when faced with conflicting prima facie duties,
discern what our actual moral duty is? Do you find his response to be
persuasive? Why or why not?
7. In what sense is the prima facie rightness of certain types of acts “self-
evident”? What role does trust play in our being confident of the fact that
certain types of acts are prima facie right?
8. Does Ross think that we can be certain that a particular act is morally right
or morally wrong? Why or why not?
9. Some philosophers claim that it is absurd to suggest that it could be morally
right for you to perform a particular act when you could, by performing a
different act instead, produce more good in the world. Describe Ross’s
argument against this claim.
10. Some philosophers claim that, just as the best theories in the sciences can
conflict with our common sense beliefs about the world, the correct ethical
theory may imply that “what we really think” regarding morality is false.
How does Ross respond to this claim? Do you find his view to be plausible?
Why or why not?
11. What things, according to Ross, are intrinsically good? Describe the
strategy that he uses to argue that those things are good.
12. Ross finds no plausibility in the claim that things other than states of mind
and relations between states of mind may be intrinsically good. How, then,
does he account for the intrinsic goodness of interpersonal love?
13. What do you find attractive about Ross’s theory of rightness and intrinsic
goodness? What are some potential problems with his theory?
Discussion board: Start a thread in the “Deontological ethics” topic on the
discussion board before 11:59 pm on Tuesday, Jun. 25th. Reply to two other
students before 11:59 pm on Wednesday, Jun. 26th.
Quiz: Complete quiz 4 before 11:59 pm on Thursday, Jun. 27th.
Module 5
Week beginning on June 30th
Topic: Virtue ethics
Readings: Read
• the selections from Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, which are in the “Primary
texts” document on D2L, and
• chapter 17 in our textbook.
Viewings: None
Homework: Answer the following questions. Submit your answers via the
“Assignments” navigation bar on D2L before 11:59 pm on Monday, Jul. 1st.
1. [“The highest good and political science”] What, according to Aristotle, are
features of the “best good”?
2. [“The method of political science,” and “Common beliefs”] According to
Aristotle, in what ways is ethics (or political science) limited? How, for
example, is ethics different from mathematics?
3. Who, according to Aristotle, is not a suitable student of ethics? Why not?
For whom will ethics be of great benefit? What conditions must a person
satisfy in order to be an adequate student of ethics?
4. Do you agree or disagree with Aristotle’s views on who are, and who are
not, suitable (or adequate) students of ethics? Why or why not?
5. [“The three lives”] What are the most popular answers to the question,
“What is the best life?” that Aristotle discusses? Which ones does he
dismiss? Why?
6. [“An account of the human good”] What does it mean to say that happiness
(or eudaimonia) is complete without qualification? What does it mean to
say that happiness is self-sufficient?
7. Aristotle suggests that we shall find a clearer statement of what the best
good [for a human being] is if we first grasp the function (or purpose) of a
human being. What possible functions does he exclude? What, according to
Aristotle, is the function of a human being?
8. [“Defense of the account of the good”] Why are actions in accord with
virtue pleasant to the person who performs them?
9. According to Aristotle, what “external goods” does a person need in order
to live the best life? Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
10. [“How is happiness achieved?”] According to Aristotle, non-human animals
and human children cannot be happy. Why not?
11. [“How a virtue of character is acquired”] According to Aristotle, how do we
acquire virtues of character?
12. [“The importance of pleasure and pain”] Why does Aristotle think that
someone’s pleasure or pain following on his or her actions is a sign of his or
her state?
13. Why, according to Aristotle, do we need to have an appropriate upbringing?
Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
14. [“Virtuous actions versus virtuous character”] What conditions must a
person satisfy in order to perform a virtuous action?
15. [“Virtue of character: its differentia”] What is the relation between a virtue
of a human being and his or her function?
16. What is the intermediate and best condition as regards feelings?
17. Give examples of actions and feelings that do not admit of a mean and
hence, are automatically incorrect.
18. [“The particular virtues of character”] Virtue, according to Aristotle, is a
mean between two vices, one of excess and one of deficiency. Explain how
the virtues of bravery, temperance, and generosity are each means between
two vices.
19. [“Relations between mean and extreme states”] How can the way things
appear to us depend in part upon our state, that is, upon whether we have or
lack a particular virtue?
20. [“How can we reach the mean?”] Why is it hard work to be excellent and to
find the intermediate?
21. According to Aristotle, in order to reach the intermediate condition we
must, in some situations, incline toward the excess, but must, in other
situations, incline toward the deficiency. Give an example to illustrate this
claim.
22. [“Happiness and theoretical study,” and “Theoretical study and the other
virtues”] What reasons does Aristotle give in support of the view that the
best and most pleasant life is a life of study? Do you find his argument to be
persuasive? Why or why not?
23. [“Moral education”] Why does Aristotle think that it is difficult for
someone to be trained correctly for virtue from his or her youth if he or she
has not been brought up under correct laws? In your view, should the state
(or government) enact laws that encourage moral virtue and discourage
moral vice? Why or why not?
24. What are some features of Aristotle’s moral philosophy that you find
attractive? What, in your view, are some potential problems with his moral
philosophy? Explain.
Discussion board: Start a thread in the “Virtue ethics” topic on the discussion board
before 11:59 pm on Tuesday, Jul. 2nd. Reply to two other students before 11:59 pm
on Wednesday, Jul. 3rd.
Quiz: Complete quiz 5 before 11:59 pm on Thursday, Jul. 4th.
Module 6
Week beginning on July 7th
Topic: Confucian ethics
Readings: Read
• the selections from Confucius’s Analects, which are in the “Primary texts”
document on D2L,
• the introduction to, and sections 2.1-2.4 in, the entry on “Chinese ethics” in the
SEP.
Viewings: None
Homework: Answer the following questions. Submit your answers via the
“Assignments” navigation bar on D2L before 11:59 pm on Monday, Jul. 8th.
1. What are some characteristics of exemplary persons (junzi)?
2. Ren is translated here as “authoritative conduct,” “to act authoritatively,”
and “authoritative person.” Other possible translations include
“benevolence,” “goodness,” “humanity,” and “human-heartedness.” What
does Confucius say about ren?
3. The Confucian ethical tradition assumes a relational conception of the
human person as one who lives and is constituted by various social roles.
You would not exist apart from these roles. What are your social roles?
(E.g., I am a son of Joseph and Mary, a brother of James, a cousin of John,
a neighbor of Martha, a teacher of Peter, a friend of Lazarus, etc.)
4. Choose one of the following terms and fill in the blank: father, mother,
older sibling, child, friend, or neighbor. What in your view does a good
________ look like? What does he or she do, say, and feel?
5. The Confucian ethical tradition encourages you to view yourself as a
member of a family that spans many generations and has its own unique
narrative or story. What is your family’s story? How might viewing yourself
as a member of your family affect the way in which you live?
6. What are some of your family traditions?
7. What do you find attractive about the Confucian vision of a consummate
life? What in your view are some potential problems with Confucian ethics?
Explain.

Business Ethics Journal Instructions:
you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, preparing, submitting and presenting anarticles related to business ethics.  The article can’t be general in nature.  For example, it can’t be an article about business ethics in the financial industry.  It must be related to a specific company.  Also, if the article in not related to business ethics, a grade of a “0” will be given. 
The articles can be obtained from newspapers, Internet, college database, business magazines, or other sources that are legitimate. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA,ASK.COM, Entreprenuer.com or some other website that is considered “Fake”.
The written portion should contain 2 or more paragraphs with the following information:
a) Summary – a detailed paragraph of 15 or more than sentences describing the content of the article.  Mention the ethical issue described in the article, the parties involved, and any information that is relevant.  DO NOT quote sentences from the article. 
b) Application – a paragraph that answers the following 3 questions: (1) What is your opinion on the actions taken by the firm or individuals representing the firm involved in the ethical issue?  (2) What you would do if you faced with the same ethical issue as the individual(s) in the articles? (3) What steps or strategies can a company implement do to avoid facing the ethical issue(s) mentioned in the article?  Your answers must contain substance (actual real solutions).  This application section should be composed of 15 or more sentences.
c) Be careful with grammar, punctuations, or sentence structures.  A poor written paper will affect your grade.
A COPY OF THE ARTICLE  or LINK IS REQUIRED. Failure to provide the information will result in a “0” grade.   
Your grade will be based on your ability to summarize the article, ability to develop an adequate answer to the application section, and your writing skills.

Edward is taking his daily walk near the train tracks when he notices that the train that is approaching is out of control. Edward sees what has happened: the train driver saw five workmen ahead on the tracks and slammed on the brakes, but the brakes failed, and the driver fainted. The train is now rushing toward the five men; the banks are so steep that they will not be able to get off the track in time. Fortunately, Edward is standing next to a switch, which he can throw, that will turn the train onto a sidetrack. Unfortunately, there is one person standing on the sidetrack with his back turned. Edward can throw the switch, killing the one, or he can refrain from doing this, letting the five die. Remember, Edward did not build the train, nor is he responsible for its current predicament. However, if he pulls the switch, he is both intervening and making a judgment regarding human value. Take this into account when writing your essay.  There is a reason this is considered a “moral dilemma.”
Incorporating what you have learned from ethics, answer the following questions. 
1. “Do you think Edward should throw the switch? Why?”
2. Would a Utilitarian agree? Why?
3. Would a Kantian agree? Why?
4. What do you believe is the best option “What is The Good?” Why?

Reflection 3
Reflections Content
Write a short reflection statement (350-500 words) after reading Chapter 6. Use complete sentences and correct academic writing to complete this assignment.
Respond in writing to this question:
Explain the position of ethical egoism. Do you think this is the correct moral position for a person to take? Explain why or why not. Make sure to discuss at least two of the objections raised in the chapter against ethical egoism, and explain why they either succeed or fail in refuting ethical egoism.
Reflection 4
Reflections Content
Write a short reflection statement (350-500 words) after reading Chapter 7. Use complete sentences and correct academic writing to complete this assignment.
Respond in writing to this question:
Is utilitarianism the correct moral theory? Explain why or why not. Be sure to examine at least one of the listed strengths, and two of the listed objections of utilitarianism in your answer.

I also attached reading of that chapter please read instustion papaer carefully and follow all step please also first provide me objection so my sir can approved then you can continue on your writing hope that make to understand what i am expecting
TOPIC
“VIRTUE ETHICS”