17 Aug Compare and contrast the competing moral theories offered by Mill’s ‘Utilitarianism’ and Kant’s ‘Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

Problems in Philosophy: Final Paper Assignment

Choose ONE of the following questions:

1. Is determinism compatible with free will? Answer with reference to Nagel and at least one of Stace and Frankfurt.

2. Compare and contrast the competing moral theories offered by Mill’s ‘Utilitarianism’ and Kant’s ‘Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals’. Which do you think offers the best guide to how we ought to act?

3. Explain and assess Singer’s argument in ‘Famine, Affluence, and Morality’ for the claim that we have a moral obligation to donate to aid agencies.

4. Compare and contrast at least two of the approaches to the meaning of life given by Taylor’s ‘The Meaning of Life’, Wolf’s ‘Meaning in Life’, and Vitrano’s ‘Meaningful Lives’. Of those discussed, which do you think offers the best account of a meaningful life?

Due 11:59pm on Tuesday 14th December.

Submit your paper through Engage, preferably in MS word document form. Approx. 1500 words (minimum 1000 words), 1.5 spaced and in size 12 font.

Guidance on the Task

You are being asked to provide an answer to a question. You’re also being asked to supply a reasoned argument in support of the answer you give. As a result, it is important that you think about how you will structure your paper.

First of all, be clear at the outset about what you are arguing for. In your introductory paragraph give a clear statement of what you want to conclude as your answer to the question. Then inform the reader how you are going to set about arguing for it. In the main body of the paper, lead your reader through the steps that you are taking. Make sure you are clear about the role that each point you are making plays in your overall argument. Feel free to use examples, including those we talked about in class, to illustrate your points or provide case studies to examine theories.

Remember what we talked about in regard to the midterm paper, and look to the comments you received for areas of improvement.

Each question includes reference to the works you must discuss in your answer. Use the philosophers we have studied to help you clarify your own thinking on the question. But, be selective! In an essay of this length you cannot cover everything, so focus on what you can do with the space you have.

REMEMBER:

You must indicate where and how you have used sources in the text in your paper. There must be clear distinctions between your words and the words from your sources. Using direct quotations is the best way to do this. You must also include a list of works cited list at the end of your paper after the conclusion.