he 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 ethical theories studied in class to a concrete biomedical issue. Here are some of the theories that qualify for the project: natural law theory, social contract theory, utilitarianism, Kantianism (deontology), and virtue theory. 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 students 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? Please note: using websites like procon.org 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): I am looking for One treatment of the issue from an ethical approach studied during the term. The section is worth thirty points so this section must be in depth.
Here is a suggested strategy for handling this 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:
Syllabus Page 15 of 18
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!
YOU MUST TITLE THE SECTION OF YOUR ESSAY WITH THE FOLLOWING FIVE SECTION TITLES OR LOSE 5 POINTS. THUS, EVERY ESSAY WILL HAVE SECTION HEADINGS WITH THESE TITLES:
COMPOSITION, HISTORY OF TOPIC, PRO/CON, APPLICATION OF ETHICAL THEORY, PERSONAL CONCLUSION
Timeline for essay:
Draft 1, end of Week 3 (due by Monday by noon): Compose a draft history of your topic (section II of the final paper). In one or two paragraphs (1/2 page) describe three important moments from the history of topic, post 1960 only.
Draft 2, end of Week 5 (due by Monday by noon): Application of one ethical theory (for instance, virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, care ethics, etc.) to topic explaining ethics of issue using at least three key components of that theory.
Final Draft, due end of Week 7 (see syllabus for precise due date): Final Research essay due.
There exists a TREMENDOUS wealth of bibliographical research resources at the end of each chapter of our text.
Here is the rubric you will receive with your final paper:
15/15: Composition: Is paper written well with attention to syntax, grammar, clear thesis statement, consistent paragraphing and proper citations style or are there recurring problems with any of these?
15/15: History of topic: Does paper develop historical context for the moral issue from 1960 onward in a clear and chronologically coherent manner or does the paper fall short of doing this in specific ways?
20/20: Pro versus Con: Does paper spell out clearly conflicting sides of the issue or does it only show one side or is it entirely missing a pro/con section?
30/30: Application of ethical theories: Does author treat issue one ethical approach studied during the term in depth (or analyzes the issue with unusual and sustained depth from the standpoint of one theory)?
20/20: Personal Conclusion:
I WILL PUT THE REST OF THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE CHAT
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]