Paper length: 1200 – 1800 words.
Grading: The paper is graded on your understanding of the assigned readings and the lectures as well as on your ability to write in a clear and concise manner. You are neither required not encouraged to use sources other than the assigned readings and lecture slides.
Guidance: For general guidance on writing philosophy papers please consult the Guidelines on Writing a Philosophy Paper. Please also read Plagiarism – Policies and Definitions. both texts are available at the top of the course website in the “Course Information” module.
Paper Prompts: Write on ONE of the following topics:
(1) Factual ignorance can work as a moral excuse: if Susie spoons cyanide into Janes coffee, but thinks she is spooning sugar, then Susie may be blameless for poisoning Jane. When exactly does factual ignorance works as a moral excuse? Can moral ignorance also work as an excuse? If one does not believe that ones action is wrong, and one has not mismanaged ones beliefs, is one then blameless for acting wrongly? Explain your answer.
(2) Kevin Kelly (founder of Wired magazine) claims that no technology is ever completely out of bounds. Having a new technology is always an unalloyed good. It is always better to have a new technology at our disposal and simply seek to manage it properly. Do you agree with Kevin Kelly? Explain your answer.
(3) What would you do in the Bystander at the Switch scenario? (A) Throw the switch in order to maximize well-being (five people surviving is greater than one.) (B) Not throw the switch because that would be a form of killing, and killing is inherently wrong. Explain and defend your answer.
(4) Consider the extended mind thesis. What ethical conclusion might derive from interpreting Otto’s notebook as an extension of his mind? Do you think evolution evolved brain explicitly to outsource cognitive function to reduce the workload? Explain your answers.
