PHIL250 week 4 Argumentation
Description
PART A
In our course, we have learned about ethics, including the two most dominant in our culture utilitarianism and deontology. This week’s discussion will have you analyze your knowledge of these theories and put them into practice. This is a classic “thought experiment,” developed by contemporary moral philosopher, Philippa Foot. After you read the situation, you will need to apply your personal ethics and then identify which ethical theory you feel applies the best.
The Situation:
Imagine a situation where a villain (complete with twisting the handlebar mustache and laughing –Bwah-ha-ha) has set a large trolley rolling down the track from the top of a steep hill. Halfway down the hill you are at a switch that has the ability to change the direction of the trolley onto a second track. If the trolley is left on its current path, it will roll down the hill and kill 5 people who are innocently tied to the tracks. These people will not be able to untie themselves and can never get out of the way in time (oh no!). However, if you take action and switch the trolley onto the alternative track, the five people will be saved, yet the trolley will run down a single person who has been tied to another track.
Directions:
Describe the ethical reasoning behind your argument for either switching the trolley to a new track or letting it pass by, killing all 5 people tied to the track.
To do this you must choose one of the Moral Theories regarding ethics from our text and this week’s lecture to guide your choice:
Utilitarianism
Deontology
Virtue Ethics
Make note that you will be making a moral argument that explains your reasoning and the ethical theory that guides you and your decision. In the end you should have:
Described the critical reasoning behind the decision you have made.
Identified the major ethical theory that guides this decision.
Demonstrated why this theory applies to your action.
Explored the ramifications of the choice you have made.
PART B
Your completed Portfolio Project needs to include the following so this week you will need to create a well-developed outline that shows how these elements will be integrated throughout your research paper.
This will allow your instructor the ability to provide a high level of quality feedback:
Introduction: This will present your ethical issue and thesis statement (explanation of what your project will present) and should be one paragraph in length. Be sure to describe the topic you have chosen, issues that arise from this topic, and what the reader will learn in your project. Close the paragraph with a clear, concise thesis statement that states your position on the topic.
Sample thesis statement:
In this essay, I will examine racial profiling in community law enforcement and argue that while strong assumptions based on race are unjust it is practical and necessary for law enforcement officials to consider all factors that may be relevant to their safety in community policing.
Ethical Issue: This section is the main portion of your project.
Present information that support your thesis using at least two resources to support your viewpoint and thesis statement. The assignment is an argumentative ethics project in which you support your stance on the topic. It is not a report that details the history of the subject or all the technical details involved with the topic. For example, if you are writing a paper on the use of social media in hiring decisions you should not explain how social media works or give the history of social media. Your project should take an ethical stance on the topic, while exploring the merits of other positions.
Present an opposing viewpoint. Opposing viewpoints consider positions that differ from the one you have taken. Remember, good critical thinking does not work in black and white terms, but rather displays a tolerance for ambiguity and considers other positions for their individual merits.
Conclusion: In this section, your will bring the ideas presented throughout your project all together in a comprehensive summary that reiterates your viewpoint and how this is further supported by existing research.
References: After your conclusion, start a new page that lists the references you used for your project. These citations are to follow APA guidelines.
PART C
You should answer each question with a minimum of 150 words for each essay question.
Describe in your own words how critical thinking and emotional intelligence has expanded your skill set as it relates to your current or future workplace success.
Define reason and explain the role of reason in critical thinking in forming conclusions and making decisions. Find one source that
PART D (150)
How do you believe this course has helped to develop your critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills thus far?