Write a Comparative Essay between Kant and Mill’s Theories.
Demonstrate your understanding of Kantian ethics and Mill’s utilitarianism by comparing and contrasting the two normative theories when discussing the moral status of one of the acts below:
Circumcision
Hunting
Polygamy
Pornography
Same-sex marriage
Transgender athletes
Welfare
Choose one act for your discussion and include a definition of the act to facilitate you discussion. Note, do not define the act simply as you conceive of it. Rather, provide a definition informed by definitions elsewhere and paraphrase the definition you offer is necessary. The point being, you do not want to define any of the topics as good or bad as that is precisely what is in question. For example, you do not want to define abortion as free choice or sin for these terms prejudice the argument.
Provide a point of view (POV) to guide your discussion. That is, take a position regarding the topic (e.g., same-sex marriage is permissible) and then show how the two normative theories relate to that topic in support or not of that vantage point you have adopted.
Content
Your essay should consist of the following:
Definition of the act
Clarification of the act
Summary of Kantian ethics
Summary of Mill’s utilitarianism
Application of each normative theory to the act
Regarding clarification, and for example, some may define hunting as the pursuit of game, but some people hunt game for sport only. So, if you pick hunting as a topic, you should clarify the act for your discussion by providing focus. To wit, you may ask whether hunting is permissible for sport only or whether hunting is permissible for sustenance only.
Similarly, some people define pornography as the depiction of sexual behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement, but there are many forms of pornography in terms of content and delivery. If you pick pornography as a topic, you should clarify the as it were type of pornography for your discussion by providing focus.
Remember, Kantian ethics requires consideration of categorical imperatives whereas Mill’s utilitarianism allows consideration of context. You should draw this distinction in your discussion.
Grading
I will evaluate your essay in terms of the following:
Focus
You say what you are going to say, say it, and provide an account of what you said; you also stay focused on the topic
Understanding
You demonstrate an understanding of the normative theories in question with appropriate summaries and explanations
Analysis
You apply the normative theories in question to the topic in question and support what conclusions you draw
Style
Your style of writing adheres to grammatical rules, including complete sentences; you writing is clear and easy to understand, and you clarify complex concepts (better, you do not include philosophical terms and leave them hanging, as if the meanings are obvious)
Organization
Your essay is well organized and easy to follow
