PHIL 2306 – Finаl Writing Exаm/Writing Assignment 2 Chооse оnly ONE of the Five Prompts listed below. You will hаve one hour to complete your essay. The exam is closed book, closed notes, and will be proctored through HonorLock. Your essay should be approximately 750–1000 words. This exam evaluates your ability to understand ethical theories, apply them to concrete situations, and critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Essays that rely primarily on memorized lists of arguments without engaging the specific question will receive limited credit. Possible Essay Prompts UtilitarianismA public official must decide whether to adopt a policy that would significantly benefit a large number of people but would seriously harm a small minority. The harms are predictable, though not intended. You pick the issue. Using utilitarianism, analyze how this decision should be made. In your essay, explain the core idea of utilitarianism, apply it to this situation, and evaluate whether utilitarianism provides a satisfactory moral framework in cases like this. Your evaluation should address at least one serious concern or objection to utilitarian reasoning. Unique examples can raise your score, but some common possibilities are mandatory vaccines, eminent domain, environmental policies, torturing terrorists. Deontology (Kant)Suppose a person considers lying to prevent serious harm to someone else. Telling the truth would respect the rules, but it would lead to harmful consequences. Using Kantian deontology, analyze whether lying is morally permissible in this case. In your essay, explain the basic structure of Kant’s moral theory, clearly explain at least two formulations of the categorical imperative, apply them to the scenario, and evaluate whether Kant’s approach gives a convincing answer. Natural LawConsider a moral debate about whether certain human practices are morally wrong even if they are freely chosen and widely accepted (e.g. euthanasia, abortion, contraception, casual sex, slavery, torture, genetic engineering). Supporters of natural law argue that morality is grounded in human nature and reason, not individual preference. In your essay, explain natural law theory and why it is considered an objective moral theory. Discuss how natural law understands human goods or purposes, and apply this framework to a moral issue of your choice. Evaluate whether natural law provides a strong and convincing account of morality or human rights. The Euthyphro Dilemma A person claims that an action such as lying, stealing, or killing is morally wrong only because God has forbidden it. Another person responds that even God’s commands must be based on what is already morally good. Using the Euthyphro Dilemma, analyze this disagreement. In your essay: Explain the two sides of the Euthyphro Dilemma Apply each side of the dilemma to one concrete moral action (such as lying, stealing, killing, or another clear example of your choice) Explain the philosophical problem that arises on each side Evaluate at least one proposed solution to the dilemma and explain whether it successfully resolves the problem Buddhism or TaoismA person feels trapped by constant desire, comparison with others, and anxiety about control over life’s outcomes. Using either Buddhism or Taoism, explain how this philosophy would understand the source of this suffering and how it would advise the person to live differently. Your essay should explain three central themes of the philosophy you choose, apply them to the situation, and evaluate whether this approach offers a compelling or realistic path to a good life. Grading Criteria Your essay will be evaluated based on clarity and organization (30%) and content and analysis (70%). Strong essays have a clear thesis, well-organized paragraphs, and a logical structure. They demonstrate an accurate understanding of course material, directly address all parts of the prompt, apply theories to concrete cases, and offer thoughtful evaluation supported by reasons. A more detailed grading rubric is available in the syllabus.