Essay: Is Morality Objective or Subjective?
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Instructions
Introduction:
Moral relativism and moral objectivism are two key theories in ethical philosophy. They ask whether morality is based on universal truths or shaped by cultural or individual views. This essay explores both ideologies and their role in ethical decisions.
Instructions:
Write an essay exploring moral relativism and moral objectivism, their ethical foundations, and their impact on society.
Guidelines:
Word Count: 1000-1500 words.
Citations: Use MLA 9th edition for citations and include a “Works Cited” page. Plagiarism will result in an F, as outlined in the syllabus.
Anonymity: Do not include your name anywhere in the essay or filename to ensure unbiased grading.
Essay Structure:
Introduction:
Introduce the debate between moral relativism and moral objectivism.
Explain why this debate is relevant to ethical discussions today.
Moral Relativism:
Define moral relativism.
Two Types:
Cultural Relativism: Morality is shaped by cultural norms.
Subjectivism: Morality is based on individual beliefs.
Discuss strengths and weaknesses of both types.
Provide real-world examples of relativism in action.
Moral Objectivism:
Define moral objectivism and its core principles.
Discuss strengths and weaknesses.
Provide real-world examples of objectivism in action.
Comparison:
Compare the strengths, weaknesses, and implications of both relativism and objectivism.
Discuss the impact of favoring one over the other.
Personal Reflection:
Share your stance on the debate and explain why.
Address potential counterarguments to your view.
Conclusion:
Summarize the main arguments.
Highlight the importance of understanding these moral theories for ethical decision-making.
Suggested Resources
Doing Ethics 6th Edition by Lewis Vaughn
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP) has 1800 entries as of Summer 2023. Entries are managed by field experts and reviewed by an Editorial Board.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP), founded in 1995, is a free, peer-reviewed resource on philosophy topics. Run by volunteers, it has 30 editors and 300 authors with doctorates.
Dallas College Philosophy & Religion Lib Guide The Dallas College Philosophy Lib Guide is designed for efficient academic research, offering access to philosophy databases and news publications. Consider using news articles as real-life examples. The ‘How to Research’ section provides librarians’ contact information for early assistance in your study. If you need citation help, the ‘Citation Help’ section has MLA reference tools.
Dallas College Tutoring Services: You have access to free tutoring. Our writing tutors are available to assist you with the writing and citation process.
Key Outcomes Expected
Marketable Skills:
Present a clear delineation of moral relativism and moral objectivism.
Reflect on the impact of these moral philosophies on community ethos and actions.
Contemplate potential repercussions linked to each moral stance.
Demonstrate ethical rigor in your exploration and composition.
Adhere to the assigned submission deadline.
Manifest empathy and respect in addressing varied moral perspectives.
Harness appropriate resources to bolster your exploration. Ensure all references are cited correctly.
Retain clarity, coherence, and organization in your essay.
Critical Thinking Skills:
Define the crux of the debate.
Incorporate and critically evaluate different perspectives.
Assess the underlying assumptions associated with each moral stance.
Recognize the subtleties and nuances of your chosen perspective.
Incorporate opposing viewpoints within your discourse.
Extract informed conclusions based on your exploration.
Personal Responsibility:
Identify ethical complexities intrinsic to the debate.
Define and defend your position with logical reasoning.
Reflect on the potential outcomes of your chosen moral perspective.