First Paper
Write a paper on one of the following:
-
Hare in "What is Wrong with Slavery" offers a defense against
a criticism of utilitarianism. What is the criticism? Explain
the strategy and
overall structure of Hare's defense. (I don't want a rehash of
everything he says -- no need to talk of Caribbean nations --
but I want you to show me his moves.) Critically discuss.
Graduate students:
In addition, apply Hare's defense to the objection Shaw raises
in the second paragraph under "Deontological Restrictions"
in "The Consequentialist Perspective." How, if at all, does
Shaw's defense differ from Hare's?
-
Peter Singer in "Famine, Affluence, and Morality"
offers two versions of a principle
(which he refers to as the
"strong" and "moderate" versions). Explain these versions of his principle.
Give examples of the application of each of these principles. How do the
versions differ? Do these principles seem correct or incorrect?
Critically discuss.
Graduate students: In addition, explain and explore Singer's response to the
purported "paradox" or "absurd consequence" which Singer
discusses on page 507b.
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Note: For this assignment you need not use any materials apart
from those assigned in class. However, no matter what
sources of
information or ideas you use--even the book--be sure to footnote
references adequately. You are expected to do your own work. Use
of unacknowledged sources (e.g., web, books, friends, tutors, other papers) for
this paper constitutes cheating.
This paper should be
submitted electronically to rlee@uark.edu. Submissions
after the due date risk incursion of a penalty for lateness.
Please put your name on your paper. Be sure also to indicate
(by number) at the top of the first page which of the topic you
are writing on.
Richard Lee,
rlee@uark.edu,
last modified: 15 September 2011