Second Essay Questions (Updated)
Second Essay
Due December 1st 7pm in the 2nd Floor Office
Penalty for lateness: 1 full grade per day
Original essay questions:
Question 1. Kant
Kant thinks that you must have ‘good will’ to be a good person. What does he mean by this? Do you agree with him? In your answer, discuss at least one of the possible counterexamples to Kant’s claim that the good will is necessary for being a good person ( i.e. the virtuous person, the self interested person, the person who always brings about good consequences or the naturally kind- hearted person).
Question 2. Virtue Ethics.In what ways is virtue ethics different from Kantianism or Utilitarianism? In your view, are these distinctive features advantages or disadvantages for a moral theory? In your answer, focus on no more than two features, and include a critical discussion of at least one objection to virtue ethics.
Supplementary essay questions:
Question 3. Nietzsche
What is ‘slave morality,’ and why does Nietzsche think it is detrimental to any sort of achievement or excellence (in particular artistic)? Is Nietzsche’s argument convincing? And do any of the philosophies discussed in the course provide a response?
Question 4. Euthanasia
Should people in Japan be granted the ‘right to die?’ If not, why not? Based on your conclusion, how should Japanese law be modified?
Question 5. Death Penalty
Critically discuss the two articles in the Rachels text, The right Thing to Do, “The Case Against the Death Penalty” by Hugo A. Bedau, and “In Defense of the Death Penalty” by Ernst van den Haag. What are Bedau’s two best arguments? And how could a pro-death penalty advocate respond? Finally, which side is the more convincing?
Special Option:
Formulate your own essay question. 1). The question must be philosophical, that is, it must be a particular theoretical question that cannot be answered in terms of mere facts, or a mere statement of opinion. 2). It must be based on topics covered in class. Possible topics: can the wicked flourish? Can there be a Virtue Ethics for politicians? Is Kant’s view on the death penalty consistent? etc. You MUST have the essay question approved before proceeding.
Due December 1st 7pm in the 2nd Floor Office
Penalty for lateness: 1 full grade per day
Original essay questions:
Question 1. Kant
Kant thinks that you must have ‘good will’ to be a good person. What does he mean by this? Do you agree with him? In your answer, discuss at least one of the possible counterexamples to Kant’s claim that the good will is necessary for being a good person ( i.e. the virtuous person, the self interested person, the person who always brings about good consequences or the naturally kind- hearted person).
Question 2. Virtue Ethics.In what ways is virtue ethics different from Kantianism or Utilitarianism? In your view, are these distinctive features advantages or disadvantages for a moral theory? In your answer, focus on no more than two features, and include a critical discussion of at least one objection to virtue ethics.
Supplementary essay questions:
Question 3. Nietzsche
What is ‘slave morality,’ and why does Nietzsche think it is detrimental to any sort of achievement or excellence (in particular artistic)? Is Nietzsche’s argument convincing? And do any of the philosophies discussed in the course provide a response?
Question 4. Euthanasia
Should people in Japan be granted the ‘right to die?’ If not, why not? Based on your conclusion, how should Japanese law be modified?
Question 5. Death Penalty
Critically discuss the two articles in the Rachels text, The right Thing to Do, “The Case Against the Death Penalty” by Hugo A. Bedau, and “In Defense of the Death Penalty” by Ernst van den Haag. What are Bedau’s two best arguments? And how could a pro-death penalty advocate respond? Finally, which side is the more convincing?
Special Option:
Formulate your own essay question. 1). The question must be philosophical, that is, it must be a particular theoretical question that cannot be answered in terms of mere facts, or a mere statement of opinion. 2). It must be based on topics covered in class. Possible topics: can the wicked flourish? Can there be a Virtue Ethics for politicians? Is Kant’s view on the death penalty consistent? etc. You MUST have the essay question approved before proceeding.
posted by G. Roche at 8:48 AM
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