Phil 120: Intro to Moral Philosophy
Spring 2005; Evan Tiffany
SECOND WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Prompts
Select one (1) of the following prompts to write on:
1. Critically evaluate Mill’s “quasi-ideal” account of happiness.
2. To what extent does Tolstoy’s portrait of Count Rostopchin,
and his decision to order the execution of Vereshchagin, pose a problem
for utiltarianism?
3. How would a utilitarian frame the debate regarding the morality
of forced sterilization of the mentally ill. That is, what considerations
would a utilitarian consider relevant and how would a utilitarian go about
weighing those considerations so as to reach an ultimate conclusion.
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In addressing this, you will want to focus on either specific incapacities
or specific mental illnesses.
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You need not say exactly how a utilitarian would decide the question (as
that would require vast amounts empirical evidence), but you should try
to be reasonably specific. (Don’t just say “whatever maximizes happiness.”)
4. Same as (3), but also take a stand on whether this is an appropriate
way to frame that debate.
5. In his essay, “The Rights Revolution,” Michael Ignatieff talks
about the relative advantages and disadvantages of framing moral and political
issues in terms of interests versus rights. Compose an essay that
clearly explicates the relevant trade-offs.
Note: this will require more than mere summary of Ignatieff.
He simply introduces the issues, but you will have to think about this
yourself and expand on what he says.
6. Same as (5), but in addition to explicating the trade-offs, argue
for when, if ever, utilitarian calculations concerning competing interests
should be set aside in favor of rights. (I.e., what must be true
of a putative “right” in order for it to trump the interests of individuals,
groups, or the state).
Formal Stuff
Stage 1: Outline & Meeting with TA
Arrange a meeting with your TA to discuss an outline of your paper.
Your TA will give you the details regarding her/his procedure for scheduling
the meeting.
Requirements:
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Bring two (2) copies of your outline to the meeting (one to leave with
your TA)
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Must include your proposed thesis statement.
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Must include a summary of the argumentative structure of your paper.
Ideally, this will include a tentative summary of the main point of each
body paragraph.
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The outline must be typed.
Worth: 5 points
Due: The meeting must take place by the end of week 6
(Feb. 17).
Stage 2: Final Draft of the Paper 2
Formal Requirements
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The paper must be typed, double-spaced, with reasonable margins (1”-1.5”)
and font-size (11-12).
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The paper should be around 4-5 pages (minimum 800; maximum 1500).
Please staple all your pages together.
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You must include your name, the name of your teaching assistant, and your
tutorial number. You do not need a cover page.
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Please clearly indicate which prompt you are addressing.
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Your introductory paragraph must contain a thesis statement, which you
should underline.
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You must submit your final draft to turnitin.com
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IMPORTANT: When you submit your final
draft, you must put it in a file folder together with your graded
First Writing Assignment (including the feedback sheet).
Due: One week after the date of your meeting.
Worth: 25 points
Stage 3: Revised Draft
Your initial final draft will be returned in tutorial Week 8.
The Revised draft is due in tutorial Week 9.
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You must submit this in a file folder with all your previous assignments,
including feedback sheets.
Again, you must submit your revised draft to turnitin.com