Overview
PHIL 101: Philosophy & the Good Life
Reflection Paper Assignment (50 points)
Objective: To apply course material (and your knowledge regarding ethics) to formulate an initial response to a philosophical question, namely “how should I live?”
In the space of approximately 3-5 double-spaced pages (with 1-inch margins and 12 pt. font), please respond to the following questions/prompts. Your paper should have 3 distinct parts. Metaethics, Normative Ethics, and Applied Ethics (in that order).
I.Metaethics (approx. 1 double-spaced page) – 8 points total
First, please briefly reflect upon the source of morality in your own life. Answer and briefly explain your responses to the following questions: What (or whom) do you look for moral guidance? (4 points) Where do you believe morality comes from and why? (4 points).
II.Normative Ethics (approx. 1-2 double-spaced pages) – 16 points total
Second, please briefly reflect upon what you believe makes an action (morally) right (or wrong). That is, reflect upon normative ethics. What ethical theory (or theories) most resonates with your way of thinking about ethics/morality and why? (5 points) To what extent do you believe that moral right/wrong is guided by principles and to what extent is it guided by feelings of sympathy/empathy or a desire to live well? (5 points). Finally, what do you believe is the relationship between morality and happiness? Explain. (6 points)
III.Applied Ethics (approx. 1-2 double-spaced page) – 20 points total
Third, please briefly reflect upon an ethical decision that you have made or your view regarding an ethical issue. Please be specific! Points will be deducted if the decision is too general, or vague. (10 points) Either select a decision that you have personally made (perhaps regarding your education, your work, your family, your friendships, your teammates, etc.) OR select a larger societal decision (perhaps regarding environmental responsibilities, or the ethics of genetic engineering, or online privacy concerns, or the use of A.I., etc.). After explaining the ethical decision that you select, please give your (ethical) assessment of it (or what should happen / what should be done), and briefly explain your position (6 points). Please further note how your assessment of the ethical decision is informed by the ethical framework (the theory or theories) that you noted above (4 points).
The remaining 6 points are based on the following:
Organization & Format: The paper is within 3-5 double-spaced pages in length, with 1-inch margins and 12 pt. font, with clear sections (labelled, “I. Metaethics,” “II. Normative Ethics,” and “III. Applied Ethics,” respectively) with few (if any) typos or grammatical errors and any outside sources used are properly (fully) cited [MLA, APA, or Chicago-style citation must be used consistently]. In referencing the ethical theory (or theories) from class notes, then please indicate that the information is from your class notes, with the appropriate date. Paper submissions must be in a separate document. Do not simply type responses in this document. (3 points)
Understanding of Course Content: The paper should demonstrate an understanding of the ethical theory (or theories) selected as well as appropriately applying the selected theories within the page length specification. Submissions shorter than 3-double-spaced pages are insufficient. Conversely, please do not submit papers longer than 7-double-spaced pages. (3 points)
Please go back through your completed paper to make sure that all 8 questions or prompts are addressed and answered before submitting your work.