Requirements: We have discussed morality in terms of
some general ethical theories, and we have discussed moral issues in various
aspects of business and economics. Consider some aspect of business,
business behavior, or economics that is especially significant to you from a
moral perspective. Your essay should
·
Be at least 1200 words in length
·
Describe the issue and what it is that makes it
morally significant.
·
Discuss the complexity of the moral issues.
·
Take a stance on the proper moral perspective or
action.
·
Provide a cogent moral argument to substantiate
your stance.
·
Be sure to consider other stances, possible
arguments for them, and problems with them.
·
Summarize your stance, argument, and conclusion.
Grading Considerations: I will focus primarily on the
following in evaluating the essay:
1.
A title clearly related to the content or
subject of your essay.
2.
A clearly stated thesis or position that you
will attempt to substantiate.
3.
A clear explanation of just what aspects of a
particular economic/philosophical approach you are addressing (either to
substantiate it or to criticize it).
4.
A clear, logical argument to substantiate your
position. For example, if you are claiming that a particular position is
morally problematic, you might need to describe the sense in which it is
problematic and why it is morally problematic.
5.
A clear response to the counterarguments that
might be made by persons who take a different approach. You will need to state
what the counterargument or alternative position would be and how or why it should
be rejected.
6.
A summary of your argument and a summary
statement of your position.
External Research: External research is not required,
although it is always welcome and impressive when well done. However, you must ALWAYS
CITE the works or sources you use.
Citations are required when you quote, paraphrase, or simply use the
information or ideas that you obtain from any other source. Cite the works used when you use them in your
essay with an elliptical reference or with a footnote. Give the full
bibliographic information in a list of references at the end of the essay. The
references do not count toward the required length.
The Nature of Philosophical Moral Arguments:
Always recall that, when you consider moral questions, it
really is not sufficient to say just that “I think that” etc. A moral argument should be given in terms
that would be generally persuasive to others.
