On what ethical principles ought we to make moral decisions?

Consider Kant’s Categorical Imperative, Mill’s principle of Utility or Aristotle Virtue ethics Choose to defend one of these theories of ethical decision-making.  You

must consider one major objection to your view, and respond to this objection.  In your essay you must give significant treatment to either Kant or Mill and Aristotle.

The following questions are meant not as a guide or checklist for writing your essay, but instead as examples of some of the relevant philosophical problems in the

consideration of ethical theory.  Let these questions inspire you to develop a coherent, philosophically interesting, and defensible thesis statement:
This is a short paper so state your thesis from the beginning. In other words get to the point. For example, “I will argue that.

1.    What are the particular features of the ethical principle you defend that make it a strong theory?
2.    What sorts of problems/situations should an ethical theory allow us to analyze?
3.    Do the consequences of an action make it right? What about the principle upon which someone acts?
4.    Who are (who should be) the subjects of an ethical theory?  Should we consider humans only or other beings as well?  What about non-animals (such as plants), and

even inanimate things (such as rocks or water)?  Who/what is deserving of ethical consideration?
5.    What is the most serious weakness of the ethical principle you defend?  Given that weakness, what are your reasons for defending the principle?
6.    On what grounds should we make moral decisions?  What are the proper roles for reason, emotion, cultural identity, etc.?  Is there a universal moral law?
A few notes on essays:
1.    Your essay must be organized according to the development and defense of a thesis statement.  Anyone reading your essay (regardless of their familiarity with the

material) should be able to identify your thesis statement, the objection you consider, and the conclusion you defend.  If you work on a draft with a writing tutor or

with a partner, be sure to evaluate how explicitly you have articulated a thesis statement and how successfully you have defended it.  Use effective language to

introduce your thesis statement.  For example, “I will argue that . . .” Be sure that your thesis statement is defensible in three to four pages.  Strive for a thesis

statement that is philosophically interesting, and that demonstrates your knowledge of the ideas under consideration.  Avoid simplistic and non-specific thesis.
2.    You must offer textual evidence for the view you are defending.  However, be careful to avoid making textual references that you do not explain and to avoid

excessive citation of the text.
3.    Your essay must be typed, double-spaced, and 500 to 700 words.  Do
4.    Be sure to proofread your essay; it should be free of errors in spelling and grammar.
5.    Use the APA Format for citation.
6.    You must make reference to Kant, Mil, and Aristotle.