Short Essay Assignment on Moral Claims

Defend a specific, moral claim

In this short, essay assignment you will be making a reasoned defense of a specific, moral claim. You can choose the topic of your essay on any ethical topic that we covered in class or you can choose from one of the topics I’ve listed below. One thing your essay must include is a short summary (no more than a page) of one of the central arguments from a relevant reading from class to your essay’s topic. Your essay should have a clear thesis - the view you are trying to defend – and clear arguments in support of it. We will talk about various parts of the essay in the upcoming weeks.

 

There are different ways you might structure this essay. One way is to present a central argument that you disagree with, and then respond by raising an objection or two to that argument. Another way is to present a central argument you agree with, and then to defend that position from an objection or two. So here you would consider and respond to an objection or two. The important thing to keep in mind is that you are trying to give a reasoned defense of your thesis.

 

Option 1 – Pick your topic

You may write about any topic that we’ve covered in this course. If you go this route, however, you should email me your topic just so that I can make sure it is on the right track and doable for a short essay.

 

Option 2 - Animals

Avnish is a conflicted meat-eater. Like many Canadians, he likes other animals, has a pet dog, and thinks of himself as a compassionate person. But he also loves meat and can’t imagine giving it up. What obligations does Avnish have when it comes to purchasing meat and other animal products? Should Avnish avoid factory farmed products? Is he justified in purchasing from humane farms? Or should he adopt a vegan diet? In your essay, you should draw on at least one of the readings from class. You should also present at least one objection to your argument and consider one possible response to this objection.

 

Option 3 – Immigration and Open Borders

Manuel is a poor Honduran. Like many people in his hometown, he cannot afford to go to college, and he has few prospects for employment beyond low-level manual labor or farming. Manuel wants to migrate to the United States, where he is confident he could find a minimum wage job and much greater opportunities. But Manuel cannot legally do so. He has applied every year, and every year he is rejected.

 

Are countries like the United States justified in preventing people like Manuel from coming to their country by having closed borders? Why or why not? Your essay should consider at least one of the readings from our class. You should also present at least one objection to your argument and consider one possible response to this objection.

 

Option 4 – Abortion

Michelle is a 21-year old university student who has become pregnant. At this point, she is 7 weeks pregnant. Michelle does not want to have a child at this point in her life and is planning on getting an abortion, although she has a few, lingering worries. Is it morally permissible for Michelle to abort the fetus? Why or why not? Your essay should consider at least one of the readings from our class. You should also present at least one objection to your argument and consider possible response to the objection.