Ethical choices

PHIL 1301: Introduction to Philosophy Prof. Norwood

Midterm Paper Prompt

DUE October 21st 2019 Students are required to submit a 750-word (minimum) midterm paper, which will count for 25% of their final course grade. The student will present a situation requiring an ethical choice made by an individual drawn from the real world (i.e. a news story), consider the possible choices available and their consequences, take a position on the situation (i.e. state what choice they would make in the same situation), and justify that choice. The student must incorporate significant references to at least two thinkers discussed in the course so far as part of their evaluation of the situation requiring an ethical choice. The paper will be graded according to the attached rubric. The student should do the following:

1. Choose a news story involving an individual faced with an ethical decision. Include a link to the news story at the top of your first page.

2. Summarize the situation, the available choices, and the consequences of those choices. 3. Take a position. In other words, make a choice. 4. Justify that choice with rational arguments. In other words, explain why you would make that

choice. 5. Include significant references to at least two thinkers discussed in class (from Unit 1 or Unit 2).

These references can be used in any part of the paper and should demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the philosophers and ideas encountered in this course.

Papers must be submitted through eCampus. Any student who turns in plagiarized work for the midterm

paper will receive a failing grade for the course.

Students will receive 3 points of extra credit if they have the writing lab look over their paper prior to the

due date and provide Prof. Norwood with proof of that meeting.