Formal Writing #1: Theorizing the Ethics of Lying
Assignment Overview: In this draft, you will use your reading in this class and beyond, your personal experience, and your reasoning make a claim about the ethics of lying.
Assignment prompt:
Write an essay that explores the ethical implications of lying. Be sure to take a clear stance (make an argument) about the circumstances–if any–when it is appropriate to lie in a particular context, backed up with relevant evidence.
The strongest essays will go beyond a simple claim that lying is good or bad with assorted and random examples. Rather, attempt to make a nuanced claim that discusses the ethics of deception as it applies to specific situations.
Center your discussion on lying as it applies to a specific area like politics; romantic relationships; business ethics; healthcare; some aspect of your major. These are just some ideas; feel free to come up with your own angle. Examining one of Gerald Dworkin’s 10 scenarios may give you some focus as well. You are also encouraged to use one of the philosophical frames we discussed as a way to ground your analysis.
In your argument, discuss at least one or two of the texts we have read this term. Additional sources, even films or tv shows, must be appropriately cited and listed in your Works Cited page.
Length: 950-1600 words.
Format: MLA Style, including Works Cited page. Use Purdue OWL or EasyBib
Grading considerations
Stating a complex claim (or argument)
Introducing your sources completely, as reviewed in week 1. Essays that summarize and copy phrases and passages from other sources will not pass.
Engaging at least one source deeply. This means going beyond “quote picking” or sharing a simple fact. Deep engagement means you explain someone else’s ideas and discuss your thoughts about those ideas. In other words, you enter the larger conversation.
Keeping the needs of the reader in mind.
Meeting the length requirements.
Submitting work on time.
Sources to cite in your essay
-“Are These 10 Lies Justified?” by Gerald Dworkin
-An expanded discussion of one of Dworkin’s scenarios.
-” “How You Justified 10 Lies (or Didn’t”)” by Gerald Dworkin
(Follow up article with results from the public. Feel free to use our class data or Dworkin’s in your essay.)
-“The Lie” by T. C. Boyle
-“Lying” by Tim C. Mazur
Excerpt from The Elements of Moral Philosophy by J. Rachels on Kant & lying
Excerpt from The Elements of Moral Philosophy by J. Rachels on Virtue Theory & lying
Comparing Utilitarianism and Deontology
Final reminder:
We will be writing 3 Formal Writing Assignments over the next month. You will the one that interests you most to develop and improve, with research and additional drafts.
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https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2008/04/14/the-lie-3
https://www.scu.edu/mcae/publications/iie/v6n1/lying.html
https://vulms.vu.edu.pk › The…PDF
Elements of Moral Philosophy by James Rachels 4th edition.jnt – VU LMS Page: 193,194,196
