| Contemporary Ethical Theory | Richard Lee |
| Philosophy 4133 | Autumn 2006 |
Write a paper on one of the following:
| 1. | Peter Singer in "Famine, Affluence, and Morality" offers two versions of a principle
(which he refers to as the
"strong" and "moderate" versions). Explain these versions of his principle.
Give examples of the application of each of these principles. How do the
versions differ? Do these principles seem correct or incorrect?
Critically discuss. Graduate students: In addition, explain and explore Singer's response to the purported "paradox" or "absurd consequence" which Singer discusses on page 245. |
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| 2. |
Consider some example used by Judith Jarvis Thomson in "Killing, Letting Die, and the
Trolley Problem." Explain the example. Say what Philippa Foot's theory (as
explained by Thomson) says about the example (whether a certain action would be morally
right or wrong and why), what Thomson's theory says (whether a certain action would
be morally right or wrong and why, and finally what you say: Is a certain action
right or wrong here and why?
Graduate students: In addition, explain whether Foot or Thomson's view in general is correct.
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Note: For this assignment you need not use any materials apart from those assigned in class. However, no matter what sources of information or ideas you use--even the book--be sure to footnote references adequately. You are expected to do your own work. Use of unacknowledged sources (e.g., web, books, friends, tutors, other papers) for this paper constitutes cheating.
This paper should be submitted electronically to rlee@uark.edu. Submissions after the due date risk incursion of a penalty for lateness.
Please put your name on your paper. Be sure also to indicate (by number) at the top of the first page which of the topic you are writing on.