Argumentative Paper

Choose a moral theory to serve as the principled basis for a moral argument for or against one of the following:

Abortion

Capital Punishment

Immigration

In this paper, you will apply an ethical theory to a particular moral issue, and for this paper, you will also argue for a particular conclusion on the issue, supported by the ethical theory using reasons and examples.

Your first paragraph will introduce the topic at hand, the ethical theory, and state how the ethical theory applies to the issue in your thesis statement. For example, your thesis might look like this: “Consequentialism favors the legalization of drug use because the consequences of prohibition are worse than those of legalizing drug use. Or: “Virtue ethics rejects drug use because the virtuous person would never use mind-altering drugs.” Two things to note here: First, I am not looking for your opinion on the issue. Instead, I am looking for your ability to apply ethical theory to a specific issue. Second, an ethical theory may well be used to support opposing conclusions on an issue. There may simply be a dispute, not in what theory to use, but in what the consequences actually are or would be, what the virtuous person would do, and so on.

Your second paragraph will introduce and explain your chosen ethical theory. State what the source of value is according to that theory, and what types of actions are considered right and wrong.

Your third paragraph will explain what the moral issue is that you are discussing, introducing at least two sides of the debate.

However, you will argue for a particular conclusion on an issue in your 4th (and 5th-6th) paragraphs.

Your thesis statement in your 1st paragraph should include a statement of what conclusion you will be arguing for. For example, “On the basis of Kantian moral theory, I will argue that it is never permissible to torture anyone, under any circumstances.” After explaining your chosen ethical theory (2nd paragraph) and the basic perspectives on the issue at hand (3rd paragraph), you will show how your moral theory applies to the issue, what conclusion it arrives at, and why that conclusion is the correct one. You will give reasons and examples to support your argument.

Your paper should include explicit reference to one or more of the readings in the Timmons text.

Further Writing Guidelines:

1. State your thesis statement clearly in your introduction; state the issue or position, and what your response is.
2. Structure your argument in logical order, your conclusion is supported by premises, premises are supported by reasons. Illustrate your claims with examples.
3. Anticipate objections to your position and demonstrate why your position is more plausible.
4. Summary should briefly recap what you’ve covered and restate your thesis.
5. Have someone read and comment on your first draft and revise accordingly.
6. When you paraphrase or quote someone else’s work, provide a proper citation. Failure to do so is plagiarism and is grounds for failing the assignment.

Additional Requirements:

• 1200 words in length, minimum, 12 pt. font, and 1″ margins.