Questions: (The total possible mark for this assignment is 100 marks.) Short Res

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Questions: (The total possible mark for this assignment is 100 marks.)
Short Response Question: (100 marks)
Making reference to our course readings, provide a concise formulation of Utilitarianism. In particular, explain the distinction between Bentham’s and Mill’s formulations of it. Making reference to the course readings, provides a concise formulation of Kant’s deontological ethics. In particular, explain the role of the Categorical Imperative in Kantian ethics. In light of the criticisms offered of both accounts from the course readings, which account is more plausible? Provide an argument in support of your conclusion.
NOTE: If you make reference to sources external to the course readings it will be detrimental to your mark.
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RESPONDING TO SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Short Answer Questions – What they are all about
The purpose of a philosophical question is to inquire into the reasons in support of a position. Indeed, some philosophers contend that the answer to a philosophical question is of less importance than the reasons offered in support of the answer. Other philosophers will point out that that’s a characteristic of a philosophical question.
The questions I ask usually follow a particular pattern. First, I’ll ask for some explanation of a position or an argument from a particular author. (Note: this will be your link to the required reading.) I’ll then ask for a criticism or objection to that position or argument. (This will probably also be found in the required readings.) Then I’ll ask for your assessment of the criticism and the position. In most cases, either you’ll support the criticism or the original position. In either case, what is important is the reasons you have in support of your assessment (i.e. the reasons in support of your conclusion).
So, when it comes to your reasoned assessment, I’m not looking for a particular answer. I’m more concerned with your reasons in two ways. First, that you provide reasons in support of your answer and, secondly, the quality of the evidential support that those reasons provide. In short, I’m looking for your argument.
This is a task that you should be able to do in 1,000 words (3-4 pages) – maximum. So, being concise is a virtue. The questions are not designed to be the basis for a research paper. Focus immediately on the question. A lengthy introduction that makes commentary on all aspects the issue and their perceived importance isn’t required. Part of your task in responding to the question is filtering out material that is not relevant.
Here are some tips on how to structure your answer:
Introductory paragraph: Tell the reader what your response contains. In this sense, be specific – do not say merely “I am going to raise an objection to Walsh” or (worse) “I am going to discuss Walsh.” Instead say what the objection/reply is going to be. Avoid the wasteful descent into the particular, e.g., “Philosophers have long pondered the ethics of warfare. One of the most popular topics has been just war theory. Walsh claims…” To ensure that the introduction correctly describes the paper, you might consider writing it last.
Exposition: Focus on accurately explaining the argument or position the question asks you to explain. While doing this, you might keep in mind the particular objection you will also be explaining. It is beneficial to be able to clearly show how the objection is relevant.
Your assessment: Your assessment should, to some degree, find you in agreement with either the original position/argument or the objection to it. This should be clearly expressed, and most importantly your reasons in support of your assessment must be clearly articulated. Do not simply give a list of objections – give one and develop it.
Conclusion: Tell the reader what you have argued. Do not introduce new thoughts here – No surprises.
Assigned reading/viewing/listening The assigned readings should be read in the following order:
Teleological Theories – Ethical Egoism
1. Plato, excerpts from Republic, Book II. http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/republic.html
2. Rand, Ayn. 1964. Excerpts from The virtue of selfishness, 16-17, 31-34. New York: The New American Library.
Available in your readings package
3. Medlin, Brian. 1957. Ultimate principles and ethical egoism. Australasian Journal of Philosophy 35: 111-118.
Available in your readings package
Teleological Theories – Utilitarianism
4. Bentham, Jeremy. 1894. The collected works of Jeremy Bentham: An introduction to the principles of morals and legislation, ed. J. H. Burns, 11-16, 38-41. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Available in your readings package
5. John Stuart Mill. What utilitarianism is, Chapter 2, from Utilitarianism.
http://www.utilitarianism.com/mill1.htm
6. Williams, Bernard. 1973. A critique of utilitarianism. In Utilitarianism: For and against, ed. J. J. C. Smart and Bernard Williams, 77-118. London: Cambridge University Press. Listed under Unit 4 reading in course site.
Deontological Theories – Kantian Ethics
7. Immanuel Kant, excerpts from Foundations of the metaphysics of morals.
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~jwcwolf/Papers/KantExcerpt.htm
8. Taylor, Richard. 1984. Kantian morality. In Good and evil: A new direction, 102-115. Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/5682/5682-h/5682-h.htm#link2H_4_0003
This source contains the whole of Kant’s FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE METAPHYSIC OF MORALS. You can focus on the second section – “TRANSITION FROM POPULAR MORAL PHILOSOPHY TO THE METAPHYSIC OF MORALS”.
Metaethics
9. Rachels, James. 1998. Introduction. In Ethical Theory I: The question of objectivity, ed. James Rachels, 1-18. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Available in your readings package
Required viewing (linked in the instructional content)
Examined Life Video: Moral Dilemmas… Can Ethics Help?
Examined Life Video: Does the End Justify the Means?
Examined Life Video: Can Rules Define Morality?
Examined Life Video: Is Morality Relative?
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