Attend to all parts of the question and give a thorough account, detailing the respective positions. Write as if you are explaining these issues to one who has done none of the reading — to a relative or a friend. Try, in other words, to be as clear as possible, demonstrating to me that you grasp the core dispute. You will also want to argue for one approach over another, offering reasons that would appeal to the fair-minded or neutral reader, one interested in learning the truth. Do not quote other sources — either within the course or from without — back to me. This is not a research assignment but an analytical essay. Put matters in your own words. Know, too, that while I am interested in your views here, they should be views informed by the reading.
Imagine you are on your the way to the financial aid office to apply for a loan of $5,000 because you don’t have tuition for the upcoming semester. When you reach the financial aid office, however, you notice Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, off to one side, giving $1 to a homeless woman and her homeless children. Yet as Elon Musk pockets his wallet out falls a $5,000 bill, which you pick up. Musk continues on his way, unaware he has dropped the money.
What is the right thing to do here? First, explain ethical egoism and suggest how an ethical egoist would answer this question.
Next, explain Mill’s greatest happiness principle and suggest how Mill will answer. Be sure to cite examples of both positive and negative utility.
Go on to discuss Kant’s categorical imperative in detail and talk about exactly how Kant would answer this question.
Who makes the best case in the end? Why? What do you believe is the right thing to do here? Explore at length and argue for your position.
Grading Criteria for the essay are as follows:
A strong essay will lay out the respective positions in clear and detailed terms, emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of each, and offer convincing reasons to show why one approach is superior to the other. The accounts should display a ready and thorough knowledge of course material. (20-22 points).
An adequate essay will set forth the main outline of the respective positions, though some detail may be lacking and the accounts may not always be clear. The reasons given for supporting one approach over another, while relevant, may not prove compelling. (16-19 points)
An inadequate essay will confuse the positions involved or fail to articulate their key elements; the language may exhibit a poor grasp of the central points of contention. The account might well convey an insufficient understanding of course material or prove otherwise unclear, and the reasons offered in favor of one approach over another will mischaracterize essential philosophical paradigms. (15 points or below).
