Essay
Instructions
This assignment is the first step in a three-part project. You only need to focus on part one at this point. Each step will build on earlier steps. However, it is not a matter of providing a rough draft of all or even part of the entire project here in week three. That is, further steps might require completely new and original text. At the same time, completing each step will aid you in completing a future step or future steps. And, you should use the same topic in all steps.
First, select a topic of moral controversy, debate, disagreement, and dispute, Examples of such topics are euthanasia, the death penalty, abortion, cloning, etc. You can pick any such topic. It need not be listed here.
Next, detail the positions of each side of the ethical debate. Note at least two moral reasons each side presents to show their view on the topic is correct.
Now, we want to evaluate these positions using the moral theories we studied this week:
What would an Ethical Egoist say about this topic? What side would the Ethical Egoist take? What would the Ethical Egoist say to justify their moral position? Is there a conflict between loyalty to self and to community relevant to your topic? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
What would a Social Contract Ethicist say about this topic? What side would the Social Contract Ethicist take? What would the Social Contract Ethicist say to justify their moral position? Does your topic involve a collision between personal obligations and national ones? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
Finally, reference and discuss any professional code of ethics relevant to your topic such as the AMA code for doctors, the ANA code for nurses, or any other pertinent professional code. State whether and how your chosen topic involves any conflicts between professional and familial duties.
Cite the textbook and incorporate outside sources, including citations.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
Length: 3 full pages (not including title and reference pages)
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font, in-text citation
Title page
References page (minimum of 2 scholarly sources less than 5 years old in addition to the course textbook total 3 references or more).
GRADING RUBRIC
Criteria
Ratings
Pts
Outcome Details positions of ethical debate
20.0 pts
Thoroughly notes two moral reasons each side presents.
17.0 pts
Notes two moral reasons each side presents
15.0 pts
Thoroughly notes one moral reason each side presents.
12.0 pts
Notes only one moral reason each side presents.
0.0 pts
The student does not note moral reasons.
20.0 pts
Outcome Assignment Content
50.0 pts
Addresses all aspects of the questions, applying professional knowledge, and research regarding weekly concepts.
42.5 pts
Addresses most aspects of the questions, applying professional knowledge, and research regarding weekly concepts.
37.5 pts
Addresses some aspects of the questions, applying professional knowledge, and research regarding weekly concepts.
30.0 pts
Minimally addresses the questions, applying professional knowledge, and research regarding weekly concepts.
0.0 pts
No effort
50.0 pts
Outcome Professional Communication
10.0 pts
Presents information using clear and concise language in an organized manner (minimal errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation).
8.5 pts
Presents information in an organized manner (some errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation).
7.5 pts
Presents information using understandable language but is somewhat disorganized (some errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation).
6.0 pts
Presents information that is not clear, logical, professional, or organized to the point that the reader has difficulty understanding the message (numerous errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and/or punctuation).
0.0 pts
No effort
10.0 pts
Outcome Source Integration
10.0 pts
Paper includes reference to 2 scholarly sources and properly integrates the sources.
7.0 pts
Paper includes reference to 2 scholarly sources but does not properly integrate the sources.
0.0 pts
Paper does not make reference to a scholarly source.
10.0 pts
Outcome APA Format
10.0 pts
Paper meets all source requirements and is properly formatted in APA style throughout (i.e. title page, spacing, font, in-text citations, and references.)
8.5 pts
Paper meets all source requirements and is mostly properly formatted in APA style (i.e. title page, spacing, font, in-text citations, and references.)
7.5 pts
Paper meets all source requirements and is somewhat properly formatted in APA style (i.e. title page, spacing, font, in-text citations, and references.)
6.0 pts
Paper fails to meet source requirements and/or is improperly formatted in APA style throughout
0.0 pts
No effort
10.0 pts
Total Points: 100.0
