Write A Brief Essay On Each Topic (about Three Pages Typed)

Write a brief essay on each topic (about three pages typed and double spaced for each)

You must write a brief essay on each topic (1000 words, about three pages typed and double spaced for each of the following topics). The point of these papers will be to focus on one particular article or theory. The goal is not to do research but to focus your thoughts on one argument or one position and dig deep. Your grade will be based on the clarity of your writing, your command of the material, and the “depth” of your explanations. The side of the issue you take is irrelevant.

Paper For Above instruction

1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Judith Jarvis Thomson’s "Diseased Musician" essay? (text pp. 55-56) Compare her position with that of Don Marquis in "Why Abortion is Immoral." Who has the stronger argument? Explain.

2. According to the second form of Kant’s categorical imperative, would it be morally permissible for me to agree to be someone’s slave? Explain.

3. View Crash Course Philosophy #42 and compare the positions on animal rights among Bentham, Peter Singer, and Carl Cohen. Who has the strongest case? What is your opinion on animal rights?

Each topic requires you to “explain and evaluate” a position or idea or argument. Your essay should include four elements:

  1. Describe, identify, and explain two or more different philosophical positions and relevant philosophical concepts. Clearly describe both positions, including their arguments and counterarguments, and accurately use philosophical terms and concepts.
  2. Apply critical thinking by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the philosophical positions or theories, presenting a clear and coherent analysis of the issues involved.
  3. Create an informed personal position based on the analysis, developing and defending your own opinion on the moral dilemma or theory, explaining the reasoning behind your stance and considering opposing views and their underlying assumptions, as well as the societal and personal implications.
  4. Demonstrate proper grammar and clear writing throughout the essay.

Your paper will be graded on these four elements, each scored from 0 to 5, with a total possible score of 20. A perfect score on each element (5/5) will give you a maximum total of 20 points per essay. Focus on in-depth analysis, clear argumentation, and well-structured writing to achieve a high score.

References

  • Thomson, Judith Jarvis. "A Defense of Abortion," Theoria, vol. 48, no. 1, 1982, pp. 1-22.
  • Marquis, Don. "Why Abortion is Immoral," Journal of Philosophy, vol. 90, no. 4, 1993, pp. 183-202.
  • Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, translated by Mary Gregor, Cambridge University Press, 1998.
  • Bentham, Jeremy. An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, Oxford University Press, 2007.
  • Singer, Peter. Animal Liberation, Random House, 2009.
  • Cohen, Carl. "The Case for the Use of Animals in Scientific Experiments," in The Animal Rights Debate, edited by Carl Cohen and Tom Regan, Rowman & Littlefield, 2001.
  • Crash Course Philosophy #42: "Animal Rights," available on YouTube, 2014.
  • Rekha, T. "Kantian Ethics and Moral Legislation," Journal of Ethics, 2015.
  • Regan, Tom. The Case for Animal Rights, University of California Press, 2004.
  • Singer, Peter. Practical Ethics, Cambridge University Press, 2011.

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