PHIL 247
- Practical Ethics -
TERM PAPER
Topics 25% (Revised Deadline: Due Mon., Nov. 23)
1) Both James Sterba and David Rodin argue against using utilitarianism/consequentialism as the basis for an ethics of war, and defend a deontological approach. Explain either Sterba or Rodin's argument against consequentialism as the basis for an ethics of war. Discuss whether you think Sterba or Rodin are right to discount the consequences in favour of deontological approach, and why.
2) Debra Satz defends a version of the asymmetry thesis because markets in reproductive labour reinforce gender-based stereotypes used to justify the unequal status of women. Explain Satz's objection to reproductive labour markets, and (in light of Satz's objection) discuss whether reproductive labour market should be morally permissible, and why.
3) Peter Singer maintains that we need to set morally permissible limits on a parent's partiality towards their own children. Explain Singer's argument for why and how we need to justify partial relationships, and what are the limits of parental partiality. What would Singer say about parent's paying for their children's post-secondary education? Discuss whether you think Singer is right, and why.
4) The morality of school choice presents us with a philosophical quandary: on the one hand, private schools violate equality of opportunity, and make things worse for everyone else who doesn't go to them; on the other hand, restricting school choice would unfairly burden those who value education, and they should be permitted devote more of their resources to their child's education. Discuss whether parents are morally permitted to send their children to a private school?
5) Despite a profound moral constraint against targeting non- combatants, C.A.J. Coady considers the possibility of using the notion of “Supreme Emergency” as a means to create a possible exception. Explain how the Supreme Emergency clause is suppose to allow for an exception to such a profound moral constraint. Discuss whether you think sub-state terrorist groups can appeal to the Supreme Emergency clause (bear in mind how Coady will likely respond to your position).
Description 25% (Due Nov. 23)
Students are required to submit a 2000-2500 word term paper on a topic connected to the material studied in the course by November 19th. A couple weeks before the paper deadline, I will circulate a range of suitable paper topics. Students may be permitted to develop their own topic on the condition that you get permission from the instructor. If you wish to formulate your own paper topic, make sure to contact me a couple weeks before the paper deadline to make the necessary arrangements.
Format Guidelines:
2000-2500 words, typed, double spaced, single-sided, 12 point font, and 1” margins. Do not include a separate title page or bibliography – SAVE PAPER. Important: place your name, ID #, and course code on the top of the first page only. No plastic or cardboard covers, just sheets of paper, stapled together, with proper identification. No external sources are permitted (unless you develop your own topic). You're allowed to use whatever citation style (e.g., APA, Chicago, MLA) and format (e.g., footnotes, endnotes, in-text) you prefer as long as you're consistent.
Submission Guidelines
The deadline for the term paper is Thursday, November 19, 2015, (Week 10) in class. Papers submitted after the end of the lecture will be considered late. Late papers may deposited into the Philosophy Assignment Dropbox on the 3rd Floor of Watson Hall, however students are strongly encouraged to submit their papers to their teaching assistant in person. Only hard-copies of term papers will be graded. Papers received after the deadline will be subject to a late penalty specified on the syllabus.