Death With Dignity Act

The Assignment:

Write an essay in which you use the ethical reasoning of utilitarianism and rights based morality to morally defend both sides of the issue that you have chosen. You should explain and apply at least two utilitarian concepts in your essay for EACH side and at least two rights-based concepts for EACH side (so a total of at least 8 concepts). For a more thorough essay, you could explain and apply additional concepts for each side. Eight concepts is simply the minimum.

-‘Explaining’ means describing the moral concept in general in enough detail that someone who has never heard of the concept would be able to understand how it is being used. Explaining the concept before applying it demonstrates that you fully understand the concepts being used and discussed in the essay.

-‘Applying’ means explicitly showing how the concept being discussed fits into the specific issue that you are discussing. For example, if you are using the principle of utility, you would explicitly show whose pleasure is being included and how that pleasure is being maximized.

The following list may be used for reference, however, it is not meant to be exhaustive. For the sake of clarity, at the top of your essay, write down separately which concepts you intend to explain and apply in your essay for both sides to give a moral map of the debate.

Sample Utilitarian Concepts Sample Rights-based Concepts

The principle of utility 4 Steps to the Categorical Imperative
Deterrence Duty, not Prudence
Sanctions Treating Humans as an End in Themselves
Altruism Respecting Autonomy
Higher/lower pleasure Primary Goods
Public/private morality Original Position
Competent judge 1st Principle of Justice
Reducing human misery 2nd Principle of Justice
Consequences Equal vs. Equitable Treatment
Capitalism Non-Ideal Action Leading Toward Ideal