Classical ethical theories of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics: Gay marriage

In this course, we look at classical ethical theories of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. We also look at the different kinds of perspectives on ethical issues introduced by relativism, ethical egoism, and emotivism.

For this paper, you will pick an ethical issue to discuss, but one that is not a specific topic addressed in our text (thus, gun control or product liability would not be possible choices). Some examples are given below, but it is recommended that you choose to write on a topic you have already encountered or you have thought about previously. (One way of thinking about this is to think of an ethical issue that either worries you or enrages you.)

Identify, specifically, the ethical issue and the ethical problems it presents. Drawing on various sources, explain how one of the classical theories (utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics) would resolve the problem. Then, contrast this response with the perspective brought to the issue by relativism, emotivism, or ethical egoism. Finally, state which of these views is closer to your own, supporting your response with a clearly-presented and well-supported argument. The more specific you can be the better, and feel free to include examples that will strengthen your account.

Possible Topics
•Physician Assisted Suicide
•Corporate Contributions to Political Campaigns
•Ethical Treatment of Prisoners
•The Media and Its Responsibilities
•Gay Marriage
•Health Care: Right or Privilege
•Ethical Treatment of Animals
•Legalizing Marijuana
•Ethical Problems of Gambling
•Progressive Taxation Rates
•Following Military Orders That May Be Unethical
•Age Restrictions on Alcohol Relative to Military Eligibility
The Final Paper must be between eight to ten pages long, using at least five (5) resources Format your rough draft according to APA (6th edition) style and properly cite all your resources.If you would like to refer to APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab in the left navigation bar, in your online course.

Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:
•Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA (6th edition) style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.
•Must use at least five academic resources in addition to the required text, at least two of which are found in Ashford Online Library. Wikipedia is an example of a source that is NOT acceptable.
•Must use APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide to document all sources.
•Must include a cover page that includes: ◦Title of Paper
◦Student’s name
◦Course name and number
◦Instructor’s name
◦Date submitted

•Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.
•Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
•Must include a Reference Page that is completed according to APA (6th edition) style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria

8 Pages

APA 7 References