Under the "Pages" tab in this course, please read all six pages entitled, "Contemporary Moral Problems". You will find pages on each of the following topics: Famine, Female Circumcision, Capital Punishment, Abortion, Euthanasia, and Torture. Some of these issues are covered in the textbook, while others are not. It is required that you read all of the Contemporary Moral Problems "Pages" (Canvas Lectures), for you will be tested on the Final Exam to see that you are acquainted with the issues and have done this reading.

2306 Lecture : Contemporary Moral Problems ABORTION

2306 Lecture : Contemporary Moral Problems CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

2306 Lecture : Contemporary Moral Problems EUTHANASIA

2306 Lecture : Contemporary Moral Problems FAMINE

2306 Lecture : Contemporary Moral Problems FEMALE CIRCUMCISION

2306 Lecture : Contemporary Moral Problems TORTURE

You are not assigned any reading in the textbook, but you are welcomed to consult those chapters to help you in formulating your views. You are encouraged to consult news articles on the topic, or material in library books, as well as to talk to your friends and family in an effort to discuss these tough problems.

Your assignment is to write 500-700 words on ONEof these topics. Stay strictly within the length guidelines. Briefly state the problem (in one sentence or two), then summarize your position on the problem. You will offer your own argument "FOR" or "AGAINST" whatever issue you are addressing. You are welcomed to cite personal experiences in your composition, and to argue forcefully your position. Please cite all relevant sources.

There are no right and wrong answers here, there are only sound and unsound arguments. How well can you support your position? Convince me that your view is the best way to look at the problem. Use examples. Point out anything that you see as a deficiency in a particular argument relating to your topic. Cite sources parenthetically when you refer to some thinker or argument that was not addressed in the Canvas "Page" on your topic.

If you have a particular topic you would like to write on that is not covered in the course, you may email me for permission. Some students in the past have asked to write on topics such as Chinese Foot Binding and the German Ban on Male Circumcision.