Assignment Prompt & Instructions
[>Sociology homework help](https://www.sweetstudy.com/fields/social-science-sociology)
need help with ethics abortion assignment
**files (1)**
– ## FinalProjectGuidelinesandRubric.html.zip
**## FinalProjectGuidelinesandRubric.html.zip**
## Final Project Guidelines and Rubric.html
## PHL 212 Final Project Guidelines and Rubric
### Overview
The final project for this course is the creation of an analytical philosophy paper. One of the main tasks of this course is preparing an ethical decision‐making paper based on the theories learned within the class. Based on the knowledge that you have acquired in this course and through your own faculties of reason and insight, you will (1) examine in detail an ethical dilemma of your choosing, (2) determine how some of the theories that you have studied in the course would respond to the dilemma, creating an argument for and an argument against your topic, and (3) give your own perspective.
The project is divided into two milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Modules Three and Five. The final product will be submitted in Module Seven.
In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:
– Evaluate philosophical theories for their implications to the process of ethical decision making
– Apply ethical principles to analyses of practical and classical dilemmas using appropriate philosophical concepts
– Construct supporting and refuting arguments for the application of ethical decision‐making
– Employ personal moral framework for effectively critiquing and defending ethical decisions
### Directions
The final project includes the work you completed in Milestones One and Two and a reflection. This analytical philosophy paper should be a complete and polished artifact that contains the concepts and feedback gained throughout the course.
Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
1. Introduction: Compose an introduction that provides background information on the topic and premise of the ethical dilemma, its main arguments, and a summary of the evidence used to support the arguments.
1. Provide background on the dilemma. What subject is it addressing? Why have you chosen this dilemma?
2. Briefly explain the evidence that supports the arguments. What evidence do they use to back up their arguments and support their claims? Is the evidence free from bias and assumptions? Does it successfully back up a coherent argument?
3. Analyze the dilemma by considering multiple dimensions and sides, using scholarly sources.
4. Discuss which ethical theories apply to your topic, using scholarly sources.
2. Form an argument regarding the dilemma using one or more ethical theories.
1. Apply ethical theories which are applicable to the dilemma, referencing scholarly sources.
2. Formulate how the ethical theories lend clarity to the dilemma.
3. Discuss which questions emerge from the use of the ethical theories.
4. Examine the limitations of the ethical theories to the dilemma.
3. Form a counterargument regarding the dilemma using one or more theories.
1. Apply ethical theories which contrast with the argument using scholarly sources.
2. Formulate how the ethical theories lend clarity to an opposing viewpoint in the dilemma.
3. Discuss which questions emerge from the counterargument and the application of contrasting ethical theories.
4. Examine the limitations of the opposing ethical theories to the dilemma.
4. Reflect personally on the dilemma.
1. Evaluate which ethical theories seem to be stronger or more compelling, explaining why.
2. Explain how this dilemma and the analysis impact the following items:
1. One’s professional and personal life
2. Prior‐held beliefs or opinions
### Milestones
Milestone One: Dilemma and Background
In Module Three, you will submit a detailed look at your chosen topic with an introduction that provides background information on the ethical dilemma, its main arguments, and a summary of the evidence used to support the arguments. Write a 2‐page paper (in APA format) on your topic introduction, background research, and evidence of the different arguments covered in your submission. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone One Rubric.
Milestone Two: Argument and Counterargument
In Module Five, you will submit a detailed assignment that demonstrates the logic of the argument and counterargument with the application of ethical theories to support the argument and counterargument. This assignment should also include a list of three or more scholarly references in APA format. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone Two Rubric.
Final Submission: Analytical Philosophy Paper
In Module Seven, you will submit your final project. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all the rubric criteria of the final product. It should incorporate feedback gained throughout the course and your personal reflection and conclusion related to the dilemma. This submission will be graded with the Final Project Rubric.
### Supporting Materials
Resource:
[List of Dilemma Topics and Resources](https://www.sweetstudy.com/questions/Course%20Documents/PHL%20212%20List%20of%20Dilemma%20Topics%20and%20Resources.pdf?isCourseFile=true)
This document contains the list of dilemma topics used for Milestone One, Milestone Two, and the final project.
### What to Submit
The final project submission must be a Microsoft Word document that is 5 to 7 pages in length (not including cover page and reference page) and written in full APA format. Use double spacing, 12‐point Times New Roman font, one‐inch margins, and discipline‐appropriate citations. Incorporate at least four scholarly resources following APA guidelines for citations and listing references.
### AI Usage
If you use gen AI tools to support your work on this assignment, be sure to follow
[these AI usage guidelines](https://snhu.ink/StudentGenAIGuide). You must acknowledge your use of these tools in your work. Guidelines on how to cite AI tools can be found in
[this Shapiro Library guide](https://snhu.ink/CitationAndAI).
### Final Project Rubric
| Criteria | Exceeds Expectations (100%) | Meets Expectations (85%) | Partially Meets Expectations (55%) | Does Not Meet Expectations (0%) | Value |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Introduction: Background | Exceeds expectations and includes examples that illustrate all aspects of the dilemma’s background | Describes the background on the dilemma, addressing the subject and rationale for choosing dilemma | Provides some background on the dilemma, addressing subject and rationale for choosing dilemma, but with some gaps in detail | Does not describe selected dilemma’s background | 6 |
| Introduction: Evidence | Exceeds expectations and details how evidence supports coherent arguments and discusses strategies to avoid bias and assumptions | Explains how the evidence supports coherent arguments and discusses strategies to avoid bias and assumptions | Explains how the evidence supports coherent arguments and discusses strategies to avoid bias and assumptions but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not explain how the evidence supports coherent arguments or how bias and assumptions have been avoided | 7 |
| Introduction: Dilemma | Exceeds expectations and details interpretation of dilemma’s elements by considering multiple dimensions and sides | Analyzes the dilemma by considering multiple dimensions and sides using scholarly sources | Analyzes the dilemma but does not consider multiple dimensions and sides, using scholarly sources | Does not analyze the dilemma in multiple dimensions and sides using scholarly sources | 6 |
| Introduction: <br>Ethical Theories | Exceeds expectations and includes meaningful insights related to the ethical theories which apply to the topic | Discusses which relevant ethical theories apply to the dilemma, using scholarly sources | Discusses the relevant ethical theory that applies to the dilemma but with some gaps in detail and scholarly sources | Does not discuss the relevant ethical theory that applies to the dilemma using scholarly sources | 7 |
| Argument: Ethical Theories | Exceeds expectations and applies several ethical theories which are relevant to the dilemma | Applies two ethical theories which are relevant to the dilemma, using scholarly sources | Applies one ethical theory which is relevant to the dilemma, using scholarly sources | Does not apply ethical theories which are relevant to the dilemma, using scholarly sources | 7 |
| Argument: Clarity | Exceeds expectations and provides examples of how the ethical theories introduce clarity to the dilemma | Formulates how the ethical theories lend clarity to the dilemma | Formulates how the ethical theories lend clarity to the dilemma but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not formulate how the ethical theories lend clarity to the dilemma | 7 |
| Argument: Questions | Exceeds expectations and includes examples of questions that emerge from the use of several ethical theories that apply to the dilemma | Discusses many questions that emerge from the use of the ethical theories | Discusses questions that emerge from the use of the ethical theories but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not discuss questions that emerge from the use of the ethical theories | 6 |
| Argument: Limitations | Exceeds expectations and details implications related to the limitations of the ethical theories to the dilemma | Examines many of the limitations of the ethical theories to the dilemma | Examines the limitations of the ethical theories to the dilemma but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not examine the limitations of the ethical theories to the dilemma | 6 |
| Counterargument: Ethical Theories | Exceeds expectations and applies several ethical theories which contrast with the argument | Applies two ethical theories which contrast with the argument, using scholarly sources | Applies one ethical theory which contrasts with the argument, using scholarly sources | Does not apply ethical theories which contrast with the argument, using scholarly sources | 7 |
| Counterargument: Clarity | Exceeds expectations and provides examples of how the ethical theories lend clarity to an opposing viewpoint in the dilemma | Formulates how the ethical theories lend clarity to an opposing viewpoint in the dilemma | Formulates how the ethical theories lend clarity to an opposing viewpoint in the dilemma but reasoning is cursory or inaccurate | Does not formulate how the ethical theories lend clarity to an opposing viewpoint in the dilemma | 7 |
| Counterargument: Questions | Exceeds expectations and considers several questions which emerge from the counterargument and the application of contrasting ethical theories | Discusses many questions that emerge from the counterargument and the application of contrasting ethical theories | Discusses which questions emerge from the counterargument and the application of contrasting ethical theories but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not discuss which questions emerge from the counterargument and the application of contrasting ethical theories | 7 |
| Counterargument: Limitations | Exceeds expectations and details implications related to the limitations of the opposing ethical theories to the dilemma | Examines many of the limitations of the opposing ethical theories to the dilemma | Examines the limitations of the opposing ethical theories to the dilemma but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not examine the limitations of the opposing ethical theories to the dilemma | 7 |
| Reflect: Ethical Theories | Exceeds expectations and provides detailed insights on how specific ethical theories seem to be stronger or more compelling | Evaluates which ethical theories seem to be stronger or more compelling, explaining why | Evaluates which ethical theories seem to be stronger or more compelling but explanation is cursory or inaccurate | Does not evaluate which ethical theories seem to be stronger or more compelling | 6 |
| Reflect: <br>Dilemma and Analysis | Exceeds expectations and provides detailed insights on how the dilemma and the analysis affect one’s professional and personal life and prior‐held beliefs or opinions | Provides many aspects of how the dilemma and the analysis affect one’s professional and personal life and prior‐held beliefs or opinions | Provides how the dilemma and the analysis affect one’s professional and personal life and prior‐held beliefs or opinions, but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not provide how the dilemma and the analysis affect one’s professional and personal life and prior‐held beliefs or opinions | 6 |
| Clear Communication | Exceeds expectations with an intentional use of language that promotes a thorough understanding | Consistently and effectively communicates in an organized way to a specific audience | Shows progress toward meeting expectations, but communication is inconsistent or ineffective in a way that negatively impacts understanding | Shows no evidence of consistent, effective, or organized communication | 4 |
| Citations and Attributions | Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with few or no minor errors | Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with consistent minor errors | Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with major errors | Does not use citations for ideas requiring attribution | 4 |
| Total: | 100% |
## Course Documents/PHL 212 List of Dilemma Topics and Resources.pdf
PHL 212 List of Dilemma Topics and Resources
Below is the list of topics for the final project in the course. Beginning in Milestone One, you will choose
a topic, begin research by identifying and using two scholarly sources, and provide an initial argument
on your topic. In Milestone Two, you will fully develop that initial argument from Milestone One and
engage a counterargument using scholarly sources. Your work in the milestones will culminate in
Module Seven with your Final Project Paper. Review each assignment’s guidelines and rubric for details.
See the Research Guidance section below for suggested ways to use beginning resources to support
research on your topic.
List of Dilemmas:
The six areas listed below are intended to help you identify a topic of interest for investigation. Under
each topic, there are provocative ethical questions to spark your analysis and reflection. Each topic
includes resources that convey the debate surrounding the dilemma and suggested resources that can be
found in the respective module’s Reading and Resources section noted by each topic. The resources are
designed to help you pick a topic and begin to understand the debate. They are not designed to serve as
a primary source.
Automated Technologies: Resources are in Module Five.
• How are artificial intelligence (AI) machines programmed to respond to real-world scenarios?
• Are inherent biases also programmed into the coding for AI?
• Are there ethical problems that could be challenges and opportunities if AI surpasses human
intelligence and capabilities?
Medical Ethics: Resources are in Module Six.
Medical ethics and bioethics are growing and much-needed fields, particularly as technological
capability rapidly improves. Issues like euthanasia, abortion, and experimental treatments question
the value of human life and push boundaries on what principles and values people hold.
• Are there boundaries that should not be crossed ethically?
• How do ethics help guide decisions today and guide precedent for tomorrow?
o Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide:
▪ Should we allow euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide?
▪ Are they morally permissible? Should they be legalized?
▪ Countries like Belgium and Canada have decided to legalize euthanasia. Are there
lessons we can learn from them?
o Abortion:
Is abortion morally acceptable? Should it be legal? These two questions are similar but not
the same. It is acceptable to choose this topic and focus solely on one or the other: the
moral question or the legal question. Ensure that you choose primary sources that align with
your chosen approach—moral or legal.
o Experimental Treatments:
Experimental treatments raise a broad set of questions about human involvement in
medical research. This topic often involves social justice issues because participants in
research, historically, have not always had knowledge or complete information on the
research being conducted. You may choose any subtopic in this broader area. Ensure that
you find primary sources that align with your chosen subtopic.
Social Philosophy: Resources are in Module Four.
o Capital Punishment and the Death Penalty:
The United States is one of only a few countries that allows the death penalty at the state
and federal level for the most severe crimes. Proponents argue the death penalty should be
reserved for the most egregious crimes, while opponents argue that the death penalty
targets certain populations and does not actually deter violent crime.
▪ What ethical problems does capital punishment pose?
▪ Are those problems due to the way the punishment is carried out, or is the punishment
immoral in and of itself?
▪ If the death penalty is abolished, are there ethical problems with imprisoning a person
for their natural life?
Environmental and Animal Rights Ethics: Resources are in Module Three.
o Environmental Ethics and Climate Justice:
▪ What obligations, if any, do humans have toward the natural environment?
▪ With the presupposition that the natural environment is undergoing verifiable change
that leads to additional heat, what are the ethical implications of a changing
environment?
▪ Are there certain communities that face environmental consequences that others do
not?
o Animal Rights:
▪ What obligations, if any, do we owe to non-human animals?
▪ What is the extent of those obligations?
▪ Do animals share full equality in value with human beings, as some ethicists have
suggested, or do we embrace a ranking of value?
▪ What larger ethical framework or theory might we use to ground moral obligations to
animals?
Business Ethics: Resources are in Module Seven.
Many fields have professional codes of practice or ethics. Accountants, lawyers, nurses, and many
others abide by ethical commitments to their clients, patients, and colleagues. Consider exploring
the importance of ethical codes, particularly as they are practiced in professional contexts, in your
own area of study and work.
o Professional Ethics
o Code of Ethics in a Field
Character and Community Through the Lens of Ubuntu Ethics: Resources are in Module Two.
For this topic, explore connections considered early in the course between why we should be moral,
the good life, and character. You will want to approach this topic through the lens of African Ubuntu
ethics. This topic will require you to take a deep dive into Ubuntu philosophy in African ethics. You
will find a compelling philosophy that embeds individual moral development within the context of
community and connection.
• In what ways does our character impact how well our lives go?
• In what ways is formed character embedded in the community?
• What is good character in Ubuntu ethics?
• How might the Ubuntu ethic respond to the question, “Why be moral?”
• For your counterargument section, you may utilize any of the highly individualistic views we
encountered in the course, such as contractarianism, egoism, or the hyper-rational
individualism of Kant’s moral law.
Research Guidance
Each dilemma has helpful resources that frame the debate and provide some background on the topic.
While these resources may not be scholarly sources themselves, they do provide lists of scholarly
sources that can be used. These helpful resources are found in each respective module’s Reading and
Resources section and are listed with each topic.
As an example, if you use the resource for the animal rights topic, you will notice the resource provides
the background, summarizes key philosophers’ perspectives, and provides lists of scholarly resources in
the references section at the bottom of the resource. You may use these scholarly resources as
references for your research.
– PHL 212 List of Dilemma Topics and Resources
**## FinalProjectGuidelinesandRubric.html.zip**
## Final Project Guidelines and Rubric.html
## PHL 212 Final Project Guidelines and Rubric
### Overview
The final project for this course is the creation of an analytical philosophy paper. One of the main tasks of this course is preparing an ethical decision‐making paper based on the theories learned within the class. Based on the knowledge that you have acquired in this course and through your own faculties of reason and insight, you will (1) examine in detail an ethical dilemma of your choosing, (2) determine how some of the theories that you have studied in the course would respond to the dilemma, creating an argument for and an argument against your topic, and (3) give your own perspective.
The project is divided into two milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Modules Three and Five. The final product will be submitted in Module Seven.
In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:
– Evaluate philosophical theories for their implications to the process of ethical decision making
– Apply ethical principles to analyses of practical and classical dilemmas using appropriate philosophical concepts
– Construct supporting and refuting arguments for the application of ethical decision‐making
– Employ personal moral framework for effectively critiquing and defending ethical decisions
### Directions
The final project includes the work you completed in Milestones One and Two and a reflection. This analytical philosophy paper should be a complete and polished artifact that contains the concepts and feedback gained throughout the course.
Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
1. Introduction: Compose an introduction that provides background information on the topic and premise of the ethical dilemma, its main arguments, and a summary of the evidence used to support the arguments.
1. Provide background on the dilemma. What subject is it addressing? Why have you chosen this dilemma?
2. Briefly explain the evidence that supports the arguments. What evidence do they use to back up their arguments and support their claims? Is the evidence free from bias and assumptions? Does it successfully back up a coherent argument?
3. Analyze the dilemma by considering multiple dimensions and sides, using scholarly sources.
4. Discuss which ethical theories apply to your topic, using scholarly sources.
2. Form an argument regarding the dilemma using one or more ethical theories.
1. Apply ethical theories which are applicable to the dilemma, referencing scholarly sources.
2. Formulate how the ethical theories lend clarity to the dilemma.
3. Discuss which questions emerge from the use of the ethical theories.
4. Examine the limitations of the ethical theories to the dilemma.
3. Form a counterargument regarding the dilemma using one or more theories.
1. Apply ethical theories which contrast with the argument using scholarly sources.
2. Formulate how the ethical theories lend clarity to an opposing viewpoint in the dilemma.
3. Discuss which questions emerge from the counterargument and the application of contrasting ethical theories.
4. Examine the limitations of the opposing ethical theories to the dilemma.
4. Reflect personally on the dilemma.
1. Evaluate which ethical theories seem to be stronger or more compelling, explaining why.
2. Explain how this dilemma and the analysis impact the following items:
1. One’s professional and personal life
2. Prior‐held beliefs or opinions
### Milestones
Milestone One: Dilemma and Background
In Module Three, you will submit a detailed look at your chosen topic with an introduction that provides background information on the ethical dilemma, its main arguments, and a summary of the evidence used to support the arguments. Write a 2‐page paper (in APA format) on your topic introduction, background research, and evidence of the different arguments covered in your submission. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone One Rubric.
Milestone Two: Argument and Counterargument
In Module Five, you will submit a detailed assignment that demonstrates the logic of the argument and counterargument with the application of ethical theories to support the argument and counterargument. This assignment should also include a list of three or more scholarly references in APA format. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone Two Rubric.
Final Submission: Analytical Philosophy Paper
In Module Seven, you will submit your final project. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all the rubric criteria of the final product. It should incorporate feedback gained throughout the course and your personal reflection and conclusion related to the dilemma. This submission will be graded with the Final Project Rubric.
### Supporting Materials
Resource:
[List of Dilemma Topics and Resources](https://www.sweetstudy.com/questions/Course%20Documents/PHL%20212%20List%20of%20Dilemma%20Topics%20and%20Resources.pdf?isCourseFile=true)
This document contains the list of dilemma topics used for Milestone One, Milestone Two, and the final project.
### What to Submit
The final project submission must be a Microsoft Word document that is 5 to 7 pages in length (not including cover page and reference page) and written in full APA format. Use double spacing, 12‐point Times New Roman font, one‐inch margins, and discipline‐appropriate citations. Incorporate at least four scholarly resources following APA guidelines for citations and listing references.
### AI Usage
If you use gen AI tools to support your work on this assignment, be sure to follow
[these AI usage guidelines](https://snhu.ink/StudentGenAIGuide). You must acknowledge your use of these tools in your work. Guidelines on how to cite AI tools can be found in
[this Shapiro Library guide](https://snhu.ink/CitationAndAI).
### Final Project Rubric
| Criteria | Exceeds Expectations (100%) | Meets Expectations (85%) | Partially Meets Expectations (55%) | Does Not Meet Expectations (0%) | Value |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Introduction: Background | Exceeds expectations and includes examples that illustrate all aspects of the dilemma’s background | Describes the background on the dilemma, addressing the subject and rationale for choosing dilemma | Provides some background on the dilemma, addressing subject and rationale for choosing dilemma, but with some gaps in detail | Does not describe selected dilemma’s background | 6 |
| Introduction: Evidence | Exceeds expectations and details how evidence supports coherent arguments and discusses strategies to avoid bias and assumptions | Explains how the evidence supports coherent arguments and discusses strategies to avoid bias and assumptions | Explains how the evidence supports coherent arguments and discusses strategies to avoid bias and assumptions but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not explain how the evidence supports coherent arguments or how bias and assumptions have been avoided | 7 |
| Introduction: Dilemma | Exceeds expectations and details interpretation of dilemma’s elements by considering multiple dimensions and sides | Analyzes the dilemma by considering multiple dimensions and sides using scholarly sources | Analyzes the dilemma but does not consider multiple dimensions and sides, using scholarly sources | Does not analyze the dilemma in multiple dimensions and sides using scholarly sources | 6 |
| Introduction: <br>Ethical Theories | Exceeds expectations and includes meaningful insights related to the ethical theories which apply to the topic | Discusses which relevant ethical theories apply to the dilemma, using scholarly sources | Discusses the relevant ethical theory that applies to the dilemma but with some gaps in detail and scholarly sources | Does not discuss the relevant ethical theory that applies to the dilemma using scholarly sources | 7 |
| Argument: Ethical Theories | Exceeds expectations and applies several ethical theories which are relevant to the dilemma | Applies two ethical theories which are relevant to the dilemma, using scholarly sources | Applies one ethical theory which is relevant to the dilemma, using scholarly sources | Does not apply ethical theories which are relevant to the dilemma, using scholarly sources | 7 |
| Argument: Clarity | Exceeds expectations and provides examples of how the ethical theories introduce clarity to the dilemma | Formulates how the ethical theories lend clarity to the dilemma | Formulates how the ethical theories lend clarity to the dilemma but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not formulate how the ethical theories lend clarity to the dilemma | 7 |
| Argument: Questions | Exceeds expectations and includes examples of questions that emerge from the use of several ethical theories that apply to the dilemma | Discusses many questions that emerge from the use of the ethical theories | Discusses questions that emerge from the use of the ethical theories but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not discuss questions that emerge from the use of the ethical theories | 6 |
| Argument: Limitations | Exceeds expectations and details implications related to the limitations of the ethical theories to the dilemma | Examines many of the limitations of the ethical theories to the dilemma | Examines the limitations of the ethical theories to the dilemma but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not examine the limitations of the ethical theories to the dilemma | 6 |
| Counterargument: Ethical Theories | Exceeds expectations and applies several ethical theories which contrast with the argument | Applies two ethical theories which contrast with the argument, using scholarly sources | Applies one ethical theory which contrasts with the argument, using scholarly sources | Does not apply ethical theories which contrast with the argument, using scholarly sources | 7 |
| Counterargument: Clarity | Exceeds expectations and provides examples of how the ethical theories lend clarity to an opposing viewpoint in the dilemma | Formulates how the ethical theories lend clarity to an opposing viewpoint in the dilemma | Formulates how the ethical theories lend clarity to an opposing viewpoint in the dilemma but reasoning is cursory or inaccurate | Does not formulate how the ethical theories lend clarity to an opposing viewpoint in the dilemma | 7 |
| Counterargument: Questions | Exceeds expectations and considers several questions which emerge from the counterargument and the application of contrasting ethical theories | Discusses many questions that emerge from the counterargument and the application of contrasting ethical theories | Discusses which questions emerge from the counterargument and the application of contrasting ethical theories but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not discuss which questions emerge from the counterargument and the application of contrasting ethical theories | 7 |
| Counterargument: Limitations | Exceeds expectations and details implications related to the limitations of the opposing ethical theories to the dilemma | Examines many of the limitations of the opposing ethical theories to the dilemma | Examines the limitations of the opposing ethical theories to the dilemma but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not examine the limitations of the opposing ethical theories to the dilemma | 7 |
| Reflect: Ethical Theories | Exceeds expectations and provides detailed insights on how specific ethical theories seem to be stronger or more compelling | Evaluates which ethical theories seem to be stronger or more compelling, explaining why | Evaluates which ethical theories seem to be stronger or more compelling but explanation is cursory or inaccurate | Does not evaluate which ethical theories seem to be stronger or more compelling | 6 |
| Reflect: <br>Dilemma and Analysis | Exceeds expectations and provides detailed insights on how the dilemma and the analysis affect one’s professional and personal life and prior‐held beliefs or opinions | Provides many aspects of how the dilemma and the analysis affect one’s professional and personal life and prior‐held beliefs or opinions | Provides how the dilemma and the analysis affect one’s professional and personal life and prior‐held beliefs or opinions, but with some gaps or inaccuracies | Does not provide how the dilemma and the analysis affect one’s professional and personal life and prior‐held beliefs or opinions | 6 |
| Clear Communication | Exceeds expectations with an intentional use of language that promotes a thorough understanding | Consistently and effectively communicates in an organized way to a specific audience | Shows progress toward meeting expectations, but communication is inconsistent or ineffective in a way that negatively impacts understanding | Shows no evidence of consistent, effective, or organized communication | 4 |
| Citations and Attributions | Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with few or no minor errors | Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with consistent minor errors | Uses citations for ideas requiring attribution, with major errors | Does not use citations for ideas requiring attribution | 4 |
| Total: | 100% |
## Course Documents/PHL 212 List of Dilemma Topics and Resources.pdf
PHL 212 List of Dilemma Topics and Resources
Below is the list of topics for the final project in the course. Beginning in Milestone One, you will choose
a topic, begin research by identifying and using two scholarly sources, and provide an initial argument
on your topic. In Milestone Two, you will fully develop that initial argument from Milestone One and
engage a counterargument using scholarly sources. Your work in the milestones will culminate in
Module Seven with your Final Project Paper. Review each assignment’s guidelines and rubric for details.
See the Research Guidance section below for suggested ways to use beginning resources to support
research on your topic.
List of Dilemmas:
The six areas listed below are intended to help you identify a topic of interest for investigation. Under
each topic, there are provocative ethical questions to spark your analysis and reflection. Each topic
includes resources that convey the debate surrounding the dilemma and suggested resources that can be
found in the respective module’s Reading and Resources section noted by each topic. The resources are
designed to help you pick a topic and begin to understand the debate. They are not designed to serve as
a primary source.
Automated Technologies: Resources are in Module Five.
• How are artificial intelligence (AI) machines programmed to respond to real-world scenarios?
• Are inherent biases also programmed into the coding for AI?
• Are there ethical problems that could be challenges and opportunities if AI surpasses human
intelligence and capabilities?
Medical Ethics: Resources are in Module Six.
Medical ethics and bioethics are growing and much-needed fields, particularly as technological
capability rapidly improves. Issues like euthanasia, abortion, and experimental treatments question
the value of human life and push boundaries on what principles and values people hold.
• Are there boundaries that should not be crossed ethically?
• How do ethics help guide decisions today and guide precedent for tomorrow?
o Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide:
▪ Should we allow euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide?
▪ Are they morally permissible? Should they be legalized?
▪ Countries like Belgium and Canada have decided to legalize euthanasia. Are there
lessons we can learn from them?
o Abortion:
Is abortion morally acceptable? Should it be legal? These two questions are similar but not
the same. It is acceptable to choose this topic and focus solely on one or the other: the
moral question or the legal question. Ensure that you choose primary sources that align with
your chosen approach—moral or legal.
o Experimental Treatments:
Experimental treatments raise a broad set of questions about human involvement in
medical research. This topic often involves social justice issues because participants in
research, historically, have not always had knowledge or complete information on the
research being conducted. You may choose any subtopic in this broader area. Ensure that
you find primary sources that align with your chosen subtopic.
Social Philosophy: Resources are in Module Four.
o Capital Punishment and the Death Penalty:
The United States is one of only a few countries that allows the death penalty at the state
and federal level for the most severe crimes. Proponents argue the death penalty should be
reserved for the most egregious crimes, while opponents argue that the death penalty
targets certain populations and does not actually deter violent crime.
▪ What ethical problems does capital punishment pose?
▪ Are those problems due to the way the punishment is carried out, or is the punishment
immoral in and of itself?
▪ If the death penalty is abolished, are there ethical problems with imprisoning a person
for their natural life?
Environmental and Animal Rights Ethics: Resources are in Module Three.
o Environmental Ethics and Climate Justice:
▪ What obligations, if any, do humans have toward the natural environment?
▪ With the presupposition that the natural environment is undergoing verifiable change
that leads to additional heat, what are the ethical implications of a changing
environment?
▪ Are there certain communities that face environmental consequences that others do
not?
o Animal Rights:
▪ What obligations, if any, do we owe to non-human animals?
▪ What is the extent of those obligations?
▪ Do animals share full equality in value with human beings, as some ethicists have
suggested, or do we embrace a ranking of value?
▪ What larger ethical framework or theory might we use to ground moral obligations to
animals?
Business Ethics: Resources are in Module Seven.
Many fields have professional codes of practice or ethics. Accountants, lawyers, nurses, and many
others abide by ethical commitments to their clients, patients, and colleagues. Consider exploring
the importance of ethical codes, particularly as they are practiced in professional contexts, in your
own area of study and work.
o Professional Ethics
o Code of Ethics in a Field
Character and Community Through the Lens of Ubuntu Ethics: Resources are in Module Two.
For this topic, explore connections considered early in the course between why we should be moral,
the good life, and character. You will want to approach this topic through the lens of African Ubuntu
ethics. This topic will require you to take a deep dive into Ubuntu philosophy in African ethics. You
will find a compelling philosophy that embeds individual moral development within the context of
community and connection.
• In what ways does our character impact how well our lives go?
• In what ways is formed character embedded in the community?
• What is good character in Ubuntu ethics?
• How might the Ubuntu ethic respond to the question, “Why be moral?”
• For your counterargument section, you may utilize any of the highly individualistic views we
encountered in the course, such as contractarianism, egoism, or the hyper-rational
individualism of Kant’s moral law.
Research Guidance
Each dilemma has helpful resources that frame the debate and provide some background on the topic.
While these resources may not be scholarly sources themselves, they do provide lists of scholarly
sources that can be used. These helpful resources are found in each respective module’s Reading and
Resources section and are listed with each topic.
As an example, if you use the resource for the animal rights topic, you will notice the resource provides
the background, summarizes key philosophers’ perspectives, and provides lists of scholarly resources in
the references section at the bottom of the resource. You may use these scholarly resources as
references for your research.
– PHL 212 List of Dilemma Topics and Resources