PHI 3638: Ethical Issues of the 21^st Century

Final Exam – due in electronic format by 11:59 p.m. on December 7^th or at my office by 4:00 p.m. on that day in hard copy or on 3.5” disk.

Choose any two of the following questions. Answer clearly and completely, argue for your position, and use textual references/arguments where appropriate. Your answers will probably run from 3-5 pages for each question. For essay questions such as these, you need to be sure that you state the arguments of the original authors clearly and completely, and argue for/against claims using textual references where appropriate. Your argument counts. MAKE SURE TO PROOFREAD YOUR DOCUMENT.

1. In your considered view, are any of the arguments from either of the texts regarding euthanasia relevant to considerations of the moral status of abortion? Why is this the case? Defend your answer.
2. What is Dr. Hawkins’ view of “respect for life” as she presents it in her article on stem cell research? Do you agree with her view? Is her concept of respect for life consistent with the positions of Annas and Robertson (on cloning) in Taking Sides? Explain and defend your answer.
3. In your justified opinion, is the legal definition of ‘pornography’ consistent with a feminist conception of ethics? Why do you hold this position? Defend your answer with considerations from the articles on feminist ethics.
4. Summarize Baxter’s argument in “People or Penguins” and critically evaluate using the principle of equal consideration of interests put forth by Singer.
5. From a Kantian point of view, can you justify the legalization of or public access to controlled substances?