Framework Essay

ETHC 101

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ETHICAL FRAMEWORKS ESSAY ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

OVERVIEW

This assignment requires you to compare two ethical frameworks and to argue for which

framework is strongest. You will write a 7001000-word essay (not including footnotes, the title

page, table of contents, and bibliography) that combines your insights and arguments into a

single carefully-articulated work. Format should be 12pt, Times New Roman font and in one of

the three major writing styles (MLA, APA, or Turabian). A template will be provided.

INSTRUCTIONS

Now that you have learned about competing ethical theories write a 7001000-word essay that

compares and contrasts two theories, identifying which theory more closely aligns with a

Christian worldview and which theory challenges this understanding. You may choose from any

ethical framework we have covered in the course Relativism, Utilitarianism, Egoism, Duty

Ethics, Virtue Ethics, Natural Law, and Divine Command. Remember that some of these

frameworks have much in common with a Christian ethic, so you should be mindful of making

important distinctions. For example, pay attention to how a Christian ethic would interpret

concepts like virtue, law, or duty in comparison to other popular models we have covered

so far. The textbooks will be extremely helpful in this regard.

Your paper should be divided into four sections and must meet the minimum word count for

each section (not including citations, bibliography).

1) In your view, what is a Christian approach to ethics? Is it primarily a duty ethic, virtue ethic,

natural law ethic, divine command ethic, or some combination of them? To answer this

question, consider its sources of authority, how it is grounded, how it defines goodness, and

any strengths or weaknesses it has. (minimum 200 words)

2) What alternative ethical framework poses the greatest challenge to a Christian ethic (e.g.,

Relativism, Utilitarianism, Egoism, Duty Ethics, Virtue Ethics, Natural Law, or even some

variation of Divine Command)? To answer this question, define what the theory is and its

sources of authority. Also, consider how it defines goodness, any strengths or weaknesses it

has, and similarities it shares with a Christian ethic. (minimum 200 words)

3) Which framework is stronger? In other words, which theory has greater explanatory power

and is more defensible (philosophically/theologically/morally/historically)? Explain your

answer (minimum 300 words)

4) Bibliography. Remember, your citations and bibliography do not count toward the 1000-

e sure to carefully define your terms, articulate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory,

and defend your position. You are expected to support your position with rational arguments,

fitting examples, and expert sources. Any quotes or information used from sources other than

yourself must be cited. Summarize whenever possible and do not use large quotations. You will

be evaluated for conciseness and accuracy.

You will be penalized for falling short or exceeding the word count. This is a university-

level writing assignment and therefore it must be carefully proofread, free of grammar, spelling,

and punctuation errors. Do not use slang, emoticons, or abbreviations (as if you are texting or

sending an email to a friend).

You are expected to cite at least two of the textbooks and at least two external, academic

sources in your essay. These external sources would include books, journal articles, periodicals,

and similar publications. You may use online sources, but DO NOT use websites such as

Wikipedia, online dictionaries, online encyclopedias, and blogs as these do not count as

academic sources and should not be used. Biblical references are encouraged but will not count

as an academic source.

All citations, whether parenthetical or footnotes, should include a page number for

accuracy. For APA use the author-year-page format (Author, Year, p. #). For MLA, use the

author-page format (Author p#). For Turabian, use footnotes that include page numbers.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.