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This assignment is the first step in a three part project. You only need to focus on part one at this point. Each step will build on earlier steps. However, it is not a matter of providing a rough draft of all or even part of the entire project here in week three. That is, further steps might require completely new and original text. At the same time, completing each step will aid you in completing a future step or future steps. And, you should use the same topic in all steps.
First, select a topic of moral controversy, debate, disagreement, and dispute, Examples of such topics are euthanasia, the death penalty, abortion, cloning, etc. You can pick any such topic. It need not be listed here.
Next, detail the positions of each side of the ethical debate. Note at least two moral reasons each side presents to show their view on the topic is correct.
Now, we want to evaluate these positions using the moral theories we studied this week:
What would an Ethical Egoist say about this topic? What side would the Ethical Egoist take? What would the Ethical Egoist say to justify their moral position? Is there a conflict between loyalty to self and to community relevant to your topic? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
What would a Social Contract Ethicist say about this topic? What side would the Social Contract Ethicist take? What would the Social Contract Ethicist say to justify their moral position? Does your topic involve a collision between personal obligations and national ones? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
Finally, reference and discuss any professional code of ethics relevant to your topic such as the AMA code for doctors, the ANA code for nurses, or any other pertinent professional code. State whether and how your chosen topic involves any conflicts between professional and familial duties.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Part One of Your Moral Controversy Project
Step 1: Choose Your Topic
- Begin by selecting a topic of moral controversy, debate, or disagreement. This could be any topic that involves ethical dilemmas and differing viewpoints.
- Examples include:
- Euthanasia
- The Death Penalty
- Abortion
- Cloning
- Gene Editing
- Surveillance and Privacy
- Make sure your chosen topic has clearly defined positions on both sides.
Step 2: Detail the Positions of Each Side
- For each side of the ethical debate, identify two moral reasons they present to support their position.
- Example (using abortion):
- Pro-Choice Position:
- The right to choose is a matter of individual autonomy and personal freedom.
- Women’s health and well-being can be at risk if abortion is illegal or restricted.
- Pro-Life Position:
- The fetus has an inherent right to life, and abortion is morally equivalent to murder.
- Society has a moral responsibility to protect vulnerable and innocent life.
- Pro-Choice Position:
Step 3: Evaluate the Positions Using Moral Theories
- Now, analyze both sides using moral theories you studied during the week. This will help you understand the theoretical underpinnings behind each side’s argument.
Ethical Egoism:
- What would an Ethical Egoist say about the topic?
- What side would they take?
- How would they justify their position?
- Is there a conflict between loyalty to self and loyalty to the community in this topic?
Example (using abortion for Ethical Egoism):
- Ethical Egoist’s View:
- An Ethical Egoist might argue that each person should act in their own self-interest and prioritize personal autonomy.
- For Pro-Choice, they would support the decision of a woman to choose an abortion because it serves her well-being and individual rights.
- There might be a conflict between an individual’s right to choose (loyalty to self) and the societal norms or the community’s moral stance (loyalty to the community), particularly if society imposes a moral stance that limits autonomy.
Social Contract Theory:
- What would a Social Contract Ethicist say about the topic?
- What side would they take?
- How would they justify their position?
- Does the topic involve a collision between personal obligations and national ones?
Example (using abortion for Social Contract Theory):
- Social Contract Ethicist’s View:
- A Social Contract Ethicist would evaluate the issue based on the idea that people agree to form a society with certain laws and norms in exchange for protection and stability.
- They might support Pro-Life because, in the contract, the protection of life would be a societal priority.
- A collision between personal obligations (a woman’s autonomy) and national obligations (societal norms protecting life) could arise here.
Step 4: Professional Code of Ethics
- Identify a relevant professional code of ethics that applies to your topic (e.g., AMA Code for doctors, ANA Code for nurses).
- Evaluate if and how this code might address the moral controversy you’ve chosen.
- Does it conflict with professional duties vs. familial or personal duties?
Example (using abortion with the AMA Code for doctors):
- The AMA Code of Ethics emphasizes the respect for patient autonomy and medical ethics. A doctor may face a conflict between following medical ethics and respecting personal or familial beliefs about abortion.
- A conflict might arise between a doctor’s professional duty to provide care and the potential familial or religious duty to uphold a different moral stance.
Step 5: Conclusion
- Reflect on the positions discussed using moral theories, professional ethics, and any conflicts between them.
- Consider what you feel is the best course of action regarding the topic. This might involve acknowledging the complexities of the ethical issues and providing a balanced reflection on the arguments.
Tips for Success:
- Choose a clear and specific topic: Make sure the topic has distinct sides to explore and evaluate.
- Be Objective: While you’ll take a position, aim for objectivity when evaluating each side using moral theories.
- Use Examples: Bring in real-life examples or cases if relevant to illustrate the ethical positions.
- Cite Your Sources: Be sure to reference the relevant professional code of ethics and any additional materials used for your evaluation.
By following this guide step-by-step, you’ll be well-prepared to complete Part One of your project and lay a solid foundation for future parts of the assignment.
Good luck!