Choose one the questions below and address each of the aspects of the question in an essay of at least 2000 words in length. Your essay should have an introductory paragraph with a clear thesis statement.
Over the course of this semester, we have been introduced to three different approaches to ethics: Virtue Ethics (Aristotle), Deontology (Kant), and Utilitarianism (Mill). Each of the questions below pertain to a present ethical concern. In addressing your chosen question, show how each of the above ethical approaches would address the ethical concern and which of these approaches, in your view, best describes the nature of ethical responsibility in regard to the particular concern.
1. World Poverty
Provide a description and discussion of the present statistics regarding world poverty. For instance, how is poverty defined? Which regions of the world have the highest rates of poverty? What are some causes of poverty?
Using each of the ethical theories discussed in the course, why is poverty of ethical concern and what is our obligation to those living in poverty?
What do you think our obligation is and what actions do you think ought to be taken in order to address this ethical concern?
2. Animal Ethics
Provide a description and discussion of animal farming and numbers related to animals raised for human consumption. For instance, which types of animals and how many animals are raised for food consumption worldwide? What are the conditions that animals endure in modern farming practices? What is the environmental impact of modern animal farming?
Using each of the ethical theories discussed in this course, what is the ethical responsibility humans have for animals and what does this mean for both the treatment and consumption of animals?
What do you think our moral responsibility is for animals and what actions do you think ought to be taken to live up to our responsibility?
