Classical Ethical Theories Covered In This Course

In This Course You Have Looked At Classical Ethical Theories Such As

In this course, you have looked at classical ethical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. You have also examined different perspectives on ethical issues introduced by relativism, ethical egoism, and emotivism. For this paper, you will apply these theories and perspectives to a current societal issue. Choose an ethical issue to write about from one of the topics below. It is recommended that you choose a topic that you are familiar with or that you have some interest in exploring further.

Possible Topics: Immigration reform in the US and/or abroad. In your paper, you will apply ethical theories and perspectives to the issue that you select. You do not have to use all of the ethical theories and perspectives you have learned in this class, but you should apply at least two ethical theories and at least one ethical perspective in your paper. Make sure that you write primarily on ethical topics and concepts, aiming to be both balanced and intellectually driven in your work. To be balanced in your discussion, make sure that you clearly examine both sides of the issue you are considering, not just arguments that confirm what you already know and believe. You may share your personal views, but do not rely on opinions (yours or those offered by others) to make your case.

Think about the evidence that helps to make your case and use it. Address the following questions: What are the ethical issues? Where are there breaches of ethical behavior? How could each ethical theory you cite help people think about what constitutes virtuous or ethical behavior? Define how you are using key terms in the paper using credible sources (e.g., gender, sexism, racism). Explain how the ethical theories and perspective address the social issue you have chosen. Support your arguments with details and/or examples. Incorporate draft feedback from your instructor in the development of the final paper.

Incorporate draft feedback from Ashford University’s Writing Center 24/7 Writing Tutoring as this is optional. Apply ethical viewpoints to an ethical question. Describe the details of the theory used. Develop an analysis of the topic using applicable information from credible sources.

The Ethics and Current Issues final paper must be at least five double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA Style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center’s APA Formatting guidelines. It must include a separate title page with the following: Title of paper, Student’s name, Course name and number, Instructor’s name, Date submitted. The paper must utilize academic voice. The introduction paragraph should end with a clear thesis statement that indicates the purpose of the paper.

For assistance on writing introductions, conclusions, and thesis statements, refer to Ashford Writing Center resources. The paper must use at least five scholarly sources in addition to the course text. If there is any doubt about whether a source is appropriate, contact your instructor. The Ashford University Library provides resources and tutorials to assist with research and citation. All sources must be cited in APA style within the text, and a separate APA-formatted references page is required.

Paper For Above instruction

The intersection of ethics and societal issues is a vital area of study, especially as contemporary challenges such as immigration reform prompt complex moral debates. In this paper, I aim to analyze the ethical considerations surrounding immigration reform in the United States through the lens of classical ethical theories—utilitarianism and deontology—and an ethical perspective—ethical egoism. By exploring these frameworks, I hope to illuminate how different moral reasoning approaches can inform or critique current policies, emphasizing the importance of ethical consistency and social justice.

Immigration reform is a contentious issue involving questions of justice, human rights, economic impact, and national security. Ethical issues arise concerning the treatment of immigrants, the fairness of policies, and the responsibilities of citizens and governments. Breaches of ethical behavior occur when policies dehumanize individuals, deny basic rights, or favor certain groups at the expense of others. For example, family separations at borders or policies that restrict asylum seekers exemplify ethical breaches rooted in neglect or disregard for human dignity.

Utilitarianism, as proposed by John Stuart Mill, evaluates the morality of actions based on their consequences, aiming to maximize overall happiness and reduce suffering. Applied to immigration, utilitarianism might support reforms that promote economic growth and societal well-being, such as creating pathways for skilled immigrants. Conversely, if certain policies are perceived to generate more societal harm, such as widespread discrimination or economic hardship for native-born citizens, utilitarian reasoning might oppose stricter immigration controls. The challenge lies in predicting and balancing these outcomes to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number.

Deontology, articulated by Immanuel Kant, emphasizes adherence to moral duties and principles regardless of outcomes. From this perspective, ethical immigration policies should respect human rights, treat individuals as ends in themselves, and uphold moral duties such as nondiscrimination and justice. For instance, a deontologist would critique policies that violate the rights of asylum seekers or separate families, as such actions breach Kantian principles of respecting persons as autonomous moral agents. Deontology thus underscores the moral obligation to treat all individuals with dignity and fairness, independent of societal benefits or drawbacks.

Ethical egoism, which advocates acting in one's self-interest, offers a contrasting viewpoint. From this perspective, policymakers and individuals might prioritize national interests, economic gains, and security concerns over comprehensive humanitarian considerations. While this perspective may justify restrictive policies to preserve the perceived interests of the nation, it can also lead to ethical pitfalls if unchecked self-interest results in neglecting humanitarian obligations or international responsibilities. Recognizing the limitations of ethical egoism, a balanced approach requires integrating personal or national interests with broader moral duties grounded in utilitarian or deontological reasoning.

In examining both sides of the debate, it becomes evident that ethical frameworks provide valuable insights into the moral dimensions of immigration reform. Utilitarianism guides policymakers to consider the overall societal benefits and harms, emphasizing consequences and collective well-being. Deontology insists on respect for individual rights and moral duties that transcend practical outcomes. Ethical egoism highlights the importance of self-interest but also impels caution against self-centeredness that could undermine social justice.

Conclusively, applying these ethical theories reveals the complexity of immigration reform as a moral issue. A balanced ethical approach considers the preventative and corrective measures necessary to craft policies that maximize societal well-being, respect human dignity, and promote moral responsibility. Recognizing the strengths and limitations of each perspective allows for more nuanced and ethically consistent policymaking that can better serve society’s diverse interests and uphold fundamental human rights.

References

1. Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
2. Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Hackett Publishing.
3. Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
4. Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
5. Shue, H. (1996). Basic Rights: Subsistence, Affluence, and U.S. Foreign Policy. Princeton University Press.
6. Sternberg, R. J. (2017). Teaching for Wisdom, Compassion, and Morality. Routledge.
7. Walzer, M. (2000). Spheres of Justice: A Defense of Pluralism and Equality. Basic Books.
8. Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
9. Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2019). The Elements of Moral Philosophy (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
10. Fairclough, N. (2010). Critical Discourse Analysis: The Critical Study of Language. Routledge.