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Paper Instructions:
Write a paper of about two to three pages (typed, double-spaced) in which you answer the following questions:

What is utilitarianism? Explain what you take to be the two most important objections to utilitarianism. What are the best utilitarian replies to these objections? Do the replies succeed in showing that utilitarianism is a plausible moral theory, or ought utilitarianism to be rejected?

Guidelines

Don't write a long, vague, introduction. Aim instead to write about two sentences, in which you introduce a key concept and indicate what thesis you will argue for.

Choose your words carefully. Other things being equal, short sentences and short words are best. Aim above all for clarity.

Basic writing errors (in grammar and spelling) will count against you.

Don't presuppose knowledge of the class material. Write so that one of your friends could understand your paper though she had neither read Rachels nor attended class (You may, however, assume that your friend understands validity and soundness). In general use your own words; do not copy or paraphrase passages from Rachels or other sources without attribution, and do not rely on lengthy direct quotations. You may, however, make use of your lecture notes without attribution.

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Paper Instructions:

The philosopher William Clifford argued: "It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone to believe anything on insufficient evidence." Write a 300-350 word essay evaluating this argument and considering what “sufficient evidence” is. 

This should reflect an understanding of the following article on William Clifford: https://aeon.co/ideas/believing-without-evidence-is-always-morally-wrong

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Paper Instructions:

Please read the question carefully and make sure you respond to all parts of the question. Your essay should be clearly written, well-crafted, with no spelling or grammatical errors. It must be typed, double-spaced, and no more than 2 pages. The essay is worth a maximum of 10 points.

Essay Question
Reflect upon what you have learned in this class this semester and respond to the following.

What concept or theory that we have covered do you think has been the most informative and meaningful to you in terms of how it enhances your understanding of ethics and human rights in global politics? Explain and in doing so elaborate on the concept or theory.
What do you think has been the most significant substantive issue we have covered? Explain why you think this is an important issue and elaborate on the ethical aspects of the issue.
Finally, what was not included in this class that you would like to see included. This can be either a theoretical approach or a substantive issue. Why do you think it would be important to include this?

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Paper Instructions:
Explain in your own words Plato's allegory of the cave (which you read in 5.2) and what it is an allegory for (i.e. what ideas is Plato trying to demonstrate with the allegory).

In the allegory of the cave, "leaving the cave" can be a disturbing process because it forces us to see things objectively, as they really are, rather than distorted by our own biases. Describe an experience in which achieving a knowledgeable, truthful insight was disturbing for you.

The prisoners left behind in the cave are also described as being angry with the person that leaves the cave and comes back and tells them what he has learned . Why do you think they have this reaction? Describe an example from contemporary society where people "still in the cave" get angry with the people who have "left the cave" and gained knowledge.


Please describe the thesis as specific as you can. Make sure you answer the question and read the readings in the book and the Rationalism module and make sure this is perfect and answers the question.

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Paper Instructions:

Plato presents Thrasymachus as a wild beast (336d). Is this a fair portrait of Thrasymachus or just a personal attack? Is Thrasymachus really such a bad guy?

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Paper Instructions:

Glaucon claims that he ‘will restore Thrasymachus’ argument’ and explain the origins and nature of Justice (358c). Does Glaucon simply repeat Thrasymachus’ argument? Does Glaucon present a more radical analysis of the nature of justice?

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Paper Instructions:

According to Socrates, the soldiers must be educated so that they are ‘gentle to their own and cruel to enemies’ (375c). This guiding principle is strikingly similar to the Polemarchus’ definition of Justice (at 332d) – a definition Socrates had vigorously refuted in Book I. Does Socrates contradict himself?

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Paper Instructions:

In order to support his theory of justice, Glaucon tells a story about the shepherd named Gyges. But Glaucon readily admits that his story is a myth. If the story is fictional, entirely imagined, then can it provide support his theory of justice? What does the story suggest about the relation between myth and justice?

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Paper Instructions:

According to Socrates, even the most just city founded by the wisest men is forced to lie to its citizens. Why does Plato think we need to lie to promote justice? Why doesn’t the city employ reason and education instead? Can’t we achieve justice by simply telling people the truth about it? What sort of things do we have to lie about? Be sure to analyze specific instances of the noble lie to substantiate your position

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Paper Instructions:

Socrates shames Thrasymachus into silence at 350d and effectively ends their exchange. Has Socrates refuted Thrasymachus’ view of justice? If not, why does Thrasymachus blush? Does Thrasymachus’ claim that the good (as getting the better of another person) undermine his own position as a teacher? Explain.

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Paper Instructions:

Socrates and Thrasymachus appear to have much in common: they are both well-known educators who spend a great deal of time in conversation with young people. Moreover, each presents views of justice which are unconventional, and even radical. Are they really very different than one another?

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Paper Instructions:

Socrates and Polemarchus become friends after Socrates convinces him that justice does not involve harming anyone, even an enemy. What does Socrates’ argument teach us about the nature of friendship? Does Socrates mean to suggest that only philosophers can be true friends?