Westcoast PHIL251 Discussions Latest 2021 September (Full)

PHIL251 Survey of Contemporary Ethics

Week 1 Discussion

Select one of the four scenarios that you believe is the most ethical. Next, using the ethical concepts you read in your textbook, explain why you have chosen that option and align your stance with at least two of the following ethical concepts:

Intuitionism

Emotivism

Objectivism

Subjectivism

Relativism

Pluralism

Tolerance

Egoism

Altruism

Social contract

PHIL251 Survey of Contemporary Ethics

Week 2 Discussion

While considering the role of religion in different cultures, how do you think feminist approaches to morality can change the way we address moral dilemmas globally?

PHIL251 Survey of Contemporary Ethics

Week 3 Discussion

Referencing the Trolley Problem in your e-text, discuss the following questions:

If you were to stand at the Trolley’s switch, what would you decide to do? Why?

What if the scenario had you on the bridge? Would your decision be the same or different than the switch? Why?

In what ways does the Trolley Problem apply today?

PHIL251 Survey of Contemporary Ethics

Week 4 Discussion

Referencing the case on defining marriage  Download the case on defining marriagein your e-text, share your thoughts on the following questions:

Should marriage be open to a variety of arrangements? Why or why not?

Is there a connection between the variations of two partner marriages and polygamy?

Justify your response with specific references to the philosophical concepts discussed your assigned readings.

Defining Marriage

Maria is opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage. In a recent conversation in the school cafeteria, Maria argues, “If homosexuals are allowed to marry, then why not allow polygamy or other kinds of marriages?” Richard is gay. He responds, “That’s ridiculous. All we’re asking is that our relationships be respected by society and the law. Nobody is asking to legalize polygamy. Even the Mormons have given up on polygamy.” Maria replies, “I know the Mormon Church no longer officially approves of it. But there are still Mormons who live in polygamous families. What if some of those folks—or Muslims who live in the U.S.—want to legalize polygamy?” Richard thinks about it for a minute and then replies, “I still think you are comparing apples and oranges. Same-sex marriage is not at all like polygamous marriage. I’m talking about marriage between two and only two committed partners, not marriage of multiple partners. You can legalize the one without legalizing the other. You think that there’s a slippery slope here. But I deny it.” Maria responds, “How can you draw the line once you open the door to nontraditional marriage?”

Excerpt from E-text: MacKinnon, Barbara &Fiala, Andrew. (2018). Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

PHIL251 Survey of Contemporary Ethics

Week 5 Discussion

Click to view the Death with Dignity Scenario. (Links to an external site.)

Then, interview at least two people to ask about their opinions about the following questions:

What is your opinion on physician-assisted suicide?

Are there moral differences between abortion, physician-assisted suicide, and capital punishment? What are they?

In your discussion post, address the following question:

What moral or ethical concepts could you identify in the interviewee’s responses?

Did anything surprise you during the interview? What?

Did your personal opinion shape the conversation at all? How?

In your peer responses, share similarities and/or address any questions you have

PHIL251 Survey of Contemporary Ethics

Week 6 Discussion

Complete your Week 6 required discussion prompt.

This week’s discussion is a peer review of your signature assignment rough draft. To participate in this peer review process, please follow the steps below:

Click the discussion forum link Week 6 Peer Review Assignment

Click the Create Thread button and title your thread according to Firstname_Lastname_Rough_Draft

Post your rough draft as an attachment to your thread. Your draft should be posted according to the discussion board post guidelines.

Review the rough draft of the essay posted in the thread directly below yours in this forum.

Sometimes confusion occurs. If the essay directly below yours already has a review posted, choose and review an essay that does not yet have a review.

If your draft is the last posted, review the first draft posted.

Reply to your peer’s post in their thread:

Share two strengths of the rough draft.

Respectfully share two aspects of the rough draft that could be improved before the final submission.

Respectfully share any remaining questions that you have about the topic being presented.

To receive full credit for this assignment, you will need to post your rough draft and offer written feedback for a peer’s draft in the discussion forum. You are only required to respond to one peer.

PHIL251 Survey of Contemporary Ethics

Week 7 Discussion

Click to view the Animal Research Learning Scenario. (Links to an external site.)

Discuss the following:

Explain your stance on animal research. Justify your opinion.

How regulated should animal research be in the United States? How regulated should it be internationally?

PHIL251 Survey of Contemporary Ethics

Week 8 Discussion

Let’s consider terrorism. Discuss the following questions:

Would you morally justify a terrorist attack against an authoritarian regime that has an unjust economic policy in a disadvantaged country? Why or why not?

 Would you morally justify terrorism against a genocidal regime? Why or why not?