Philosophy
Philosophy (ethics)
Prince George’s Community College
Moral Theories Paper
PHL-1330-DL01, Fall 2015
Prof. Kurt F. Erhard
Purpose
The moral theories paper assignment is intended to offer the student an opportunity to demonstrate his/her understanding of
the major moral theories covered in this course. In addition, the student will be expected to give evidence of his/her
skills in evaluating competing philosophical views, explaining and defending his/her views on the issues raised, and a
general proficiency in writing an argumentative essay.
Instructions
Construct a good philosophical essay/paper that fully discusses each of the numbered items below. You may not use any
outside resources for this paper (i.e. no internet research or searches). The course site, Rachels’ book and the
Supplemental Resources folder for each LU provide sufficient information for completing this assignment.
Any student who violates the “no outside research” instruction will receive a failing grade for the assignment.
Your paper must have a separate, identifiable section dedicated to each of the following four issues/topics as described
below:
I. Section I: My Selected Moral Theory [MINIMUN length for this section is 2 pages]
Rachels outlines several major moral theories in his book. SELECT ONE of the following moral theories – Divine Command
Ethics, Utilitarianism (Do not use Ch. 7, the examples of utilitarianism, for this paper.), Kantian Ethics, Social Contract
Ethics, Feminism’s Ethics of Care and the Ethics of Virtue – and offer a thorough summary account of that theory. Be sure
to include the following relevant information in your summary account:
A concise statement of what the theory affirms or states regarding moral standards and moral judgments
Examples of philosophers who advocate for the theory
A brief discussion of major arguments used to support the theory
Examples of critics of the theory along with their arguments against the theory (this can be accomplished in a strengths
and weaknesses discussion of the theory, if you so choose).
II. Section II: Rachels’ Ethical Viewpoint [MINIMUM length for this section is 1 page]
Read Rachels’ Ethical Viewpoint as presented at the beginning and end of his book (Chapters 1 and 13).
Summarize and describe Rachels’ view and its strengths (you may want to consult Rachels’ “minimum conception of morality”
standard discussed in Ch. 1 of his book in addition to Ch. 13).
III. Section III: Comparison and Contrast of Moral Viewpoints [MINIMUN length for this section is 1½ – 2 pages]
Compare and/or contrast Rachels’ viewpoint with the moral theory you have selected in Section I. Be sure to note areas of
overlap, conflict, compatibility, etc.
IV. Section IV: Your Moral Viewpoint [MINIMUN length for this section is 1 page]
Offer an account of your own ethical viewpoint.
Be sure to explain where your viewpoint relies on or incorporates elements of the theories you discuss in this paper.
If you borrow ideas from any of the other theories covered in this part of the course, be sure you mention these and how
they contribute to your personal view.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of your viewpoint?
Format: Your assignment should be:
Free from grammatical, spelling and proofreading errors
Format your assignment with double-spacing in a standard, 12-point serif font (such as Times New Roman) and with 1”
margins.
You must include a cover/title page with assignment information and your name.
Be sure that your paper has the requisite parts answering all of sections/questions as explained above.
Assessment: Each part of your paper (as outlined above) will be worth 25 pts. Points awarded for each part will be totaled
to arrive at the student’s score for the paper. Maximum score for this assignment will be 125 pts. (25 pts. for each of the
four sections of the paper plus 25 points for writing style and formatting).