Topics for Essay II
[1] Carefully explain Singer’s argument for the claim that we have a duty to contribute to famine relief. Critically evaluate his argument in light of the objections raised by Kant, Hardin and Wolf. Do you think any of these objections undermine Singer’s argument?
[2] Carefully explain Singer’s argument in support of animal rights. Critically evaluate his argument in light of the objections raised by Steinbock and Cohen. Do you think either of these objections undermines Singer’s argument?
[3] Carefully explain the arguments advanced by arguments presented by Noonan, Thomson and Warren. Noonan argues abortion is permissible only when necessary to save the life of the mother. Thomson argues that abortion is permissible to save the life of the mother, in the case of rape and if reasonable precautions (birth control) was used. Under what conditions do you think abortion is morally permissible?
[4] Consider Case Study Three “Cloning to Bring Back a Dead Child.” Katherine Gordon of Great Falls, Mont., lost a 17-year-old daughter, Emily, to a drunk driver. After hearing about Dolly, the cloned sheep, Katherine had her daughter’s cells frozen and stored for future cloning.
Suppose, further, that the technology has become sufficiently advanced that scientists can now safely clone a human being. Katherine realizes that she would not be bringing back her dead daughter. The clone would in fact be Emily’s delayed twin. Is it morally permissible for parents like Katherine Gordon to clone a deceased child? Answer within the context of the assigned readings. If you agree with Kass, advance principled reasons for thinking Brock is wrong. If you agree with Brock, advance principled reasons for thinking Kass is wrong.
[5] Carefully explain Pojman’s arguments in support for retributivism. Reiman objects that from the fact that one deserves to die it does not follow that the state is justified in killing that individual. Carefully explain both the Best Bet Argument (BBA) and the Common Sense Argument (CSA). Pojman notes that BBA depends on CSA. Reiman and Bedau seek to undermine CSA, and thereby undermine BBA. Critically evaluate Pojman’s arguments in support of capital punishment in light of the objections raised by Reiman and Bedau. Do you think capital punishment is justified? Defend your answer.
