| Contemporary Ethical Theory | Richard Lee |
| Philosophy 4133 | Autumn 2009 |
Write a paper on one of the following:
| 1. | Robert Nozick (in "Side Constraints") distinguishes side-constraint
views from end-state views of ethics. Explain each view and the
distinction between them. Explain how a "utilitarianism of rights"
(P5
pp.239b) would differ from the treatment of rights on a side-constraint
view. Which seems a better view of morality? Why? (Note: You shouldn't
need to discuss political philosophy and the ultra minimal state to do
this paper.) Graduate students: In addition, explore and evaluate Nozick's criticism of utilitarianism in the final paragraph of the selection (P5 pp.241b) or explain and evaluate the "gimmicky ways of transforming side constraints into the form of an end-state view" Nozick hints at in footnote 4 (P5 p.242a).
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| 2. |
Consider some example used by Judith Jarvis Thomson in "Killing, Letting Die, and the
Trolley Problem"
(P5
pp.317ff) 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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| 3. |
Taylor in "Value and the Origin of Right and Wrong"
(P5
pp.148ff) attempts
to show that "moral distinctions" are "based on fact."
Explain how, on Taylor's view, right and wrong emerge. Critically
discuss.
Graduate students: In addition, compare and contrast the role of rules in Taylor's view and in rule utilitarianism. 1 | ||
| 4. |
Schaller in "Are Virtues No More Than Dispositions to Obey Moral Rules?"
(P5
pp.409ff) argues against what he calls the "standard view" of the
relationship
between virtue and duty. Explicate and critique his argument in respect to
beneficence.
Graduate students: In addition, explicate and critque Shaller's argument in respect to the virtue of gratitude. | ||
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.