Moral Relativism

Phil 3 Paper #1 Assignment

Assignment: Write a 3-5 page paper on one and only one of the following topics:

Topic 1: Moral relativism. (i) State and explain moral relativism in both forms: cultural relativism and individual relativism (aka subjectivism). Then (ii) explain some reasons or evidence in support of moral relativism. Next, (iii) discuss at least one key criticism of each form of moral relativism. Finally, (iv) provide a thoughtful evaluation of this debate, where this involves explaining the reason (not your belief) why you do or don’t think moral relativism survives the criticism(s) you raise.

Topic 2: Divine command theory. (i) State and explain divine command theory. Then (ii) explain some reasons or evidence offered in support of divine command theory. Next, (iii) discuss at least one key criticism of divine command theory. Finally, (iv) provide a thoughtful evaluation of this debate, where this involves explaining the reason (not your belief) why you do or don’t think divine command theory survives the criticism(s) you raise.

Topic 3: Natural law theory. (i) State and explain natural law theory. Then (ii) explain some reasons or evidence offered in support of natural law theory. Next, (iii) discuss at least one key criticism of natural law theory. Finally, (iv) provide a thoughtful evaluation of this debate, where this involves explaining the reason (not your belief) why you do or don’t think natural law theory survives the criticism(s).

-Due date: July 12th @midnight

-Papers are to me emailed to me at my campus email (fleon@elcamino.edu) with the assignment name and your first and last name in the file's title (e.g., Paper 1_Sally Smith.doc).

-3-5 pages, double-spaced, New Times Roman font, or something similar (no large or unusual fonts), 12 pt. font, black ink, standard margins

-No folders or covers of any sort

-Sources: Just use the chapters from our textbooks, as well as the related online readings.

Suggestive outline:

I. Introduction

II. Explanation of the Theory of Your Chosen Topic (moral relativism, divine command theory, or natural law theory)

III. Some Reasons in Support of the Theory

III. Criticism(s) of the Theory

IV. Evaluating the Debate

A. What, precisely, is right or wrong with the criticism(s) of the theory you discussed?

        B. Your final “two cents” about the theory

V. Conclusion

Grades will be assigned in the following manner:

40% Conventions (organization, grammar, syntax, spelling, etc)
30% Clarity and accuracy in explaining and describing the ethical theory.
30% Clarity and effectiveness in critically evaluating the theory