When, if ever, does it become morally wrong for social media platforms to post factually incorrect facts and stories?
• The Research Essay: Again, students are required to develop a 6 TO 8 PAGE investigative essay on the basis of possible topics in the field of biomedical ethics found at the end of this section.
The final research paper applies an ethical theory – either utilitarianism or deontology – studied in class to a concrete issue. Examples of topics that qualify for the paper are listed below. You are not limited to
these topics. However, run topics outside of these past the instructor before beginning work.
Drawing upon those theories, the student will prepare a written (6 to 8 page typed MLA, APA or CMS-
style pages, double-spaced) paper that addresses these current moral problems. Of particular importance is the student’s ability to use ethical reasoning to formulate reflective positions on some of the more pressing moral problems in contemporary society. Papers without this element tend to score at best a low B or C. The paper is graded for the following sections:
I. Composition (15 points): Composition (15 points): Tell me in ONE sentence what your paper will discuss. The introduction may be composed of more than one sentence but your thesis statement can only be one sentence long and has to be identifiable as such. For example this sentence might read like: “This paper examines the topic of abortion from both a utilitarian and a deontological viewpoint
and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches.” The grade in this section also reflects whether the paper was written well with attention to syntax, consistent paragraphing indents and proper citation style.
II. History of topic (15 points): set the context for the moral issue from 1960 onward. Do NOT go back earlier without checking with the instructor first.
III. Pro/Con (20 points): what are the conflicting sides around the issue? Note: using websites like to set up this issue generally reduces the grade in this section. Look for journal and newspaper articles that summarize the positions. These are better and more nuanced treatments of the conflicting sides.
IV. Application of ethical theory (30 points)
Here is a suggested strategy for handling that section in four paragraphs:
Paragraph 1:
1. Describe the general approach of the philosophical theory (deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics etc.)
2. Identify at least three principles from the theory.
Paragraphs 2 through 4:
Assign each of the three principles its own paragraph and explain the principle. Then use the explained principle to analyze a feature of your topic (in that same paragraph).
V. Personal Conclusion (20 points): In this last section argue for your personal analysis and thoughts on the issue. Make sure this section receives the treatment and development it deserves!
