Phil 120 : 001 -- Introduction to Philosophy

DETAILS : 5 pp. length (typed, in 1.5 spacing*) value: 20 points. Submit in hard copy, not as an email attachment. Use in-text citations, especially for quotations (e.g., Singer, p. 27; or George, p. 27), and also formal Bibliography listing (not part of the 5-page length) at the end. Consult the Writings Tips handout provided, following its suggestions and avoiding the common errors listed there. / (* To get 1.5 spacing, select-all the entire text, hold down Ctrl, and type ‘5’.)

DUE : Friday, March 30, by 4 p.m. Deliver papers to my mailbox in CH 300.

OPTION #1 : Choose two chapters from Singer's book (one from chs. 1-3, and one from chs. 4-6 or the Afterword), summarize the main points in each, and then relate them to one another. Use citations and quotations to support your presentation. Then respond to Singer's case in the two chapters analyzed, making two points in support of (some aspect of) his views, i.e., things that you agree with; and posing two questions or criticisms of some aspect of his position.

OPTION #2 : How does Singer attempt to show that while morality originates in biology or nature (genes), it eventually comes to depend on reason, which may oppose certain aspects of its earlier, more limited form? In your opinion, does Singer prove his claim that reason can provide us with a universal, objective basis for value judgments? Refer to various chapters and passages in support of your position.

OPTION #3 : Discuss the meaning of Singer's notion of morality as an "expanding circle," referring to different chapters to make your points. What drives the so-called expansion or morality, and how far does the expansion go? Is this a good way to look at ethics? If not, what is a better way, and how is it justified? How would Singer respond to such an alternative?

OPTION #4 : According so Singer, is morality common to animals, humans, and (possibly) rational aliens? Do you agree? Explain.