First, choose an issue in applied ethics that greatly interests you. You may choose one the following topics we cover in this course: abortion, euthanasia, racism, poverty/wealth, environmentalism, homosexuality, transgenderism, capital punishment, or church and state issues.
- Introduction. Choose one of the applied issues approved for this assignment (see above). Begin your paper with a brief introductory paragraph that clearly states your goals, thesis, and method. (minimum 50 words)
- Summarize the prominent ethical principles and positions at stake on this applied issue (minimum 250 words)
- Articulate a detailed application based on the framework you defended in the first essay. For example, if you defended a Christian ethic, how is your application shaped by a Christian ethic? If you defended another framework, how is your application shaped by that theory? (minimum 350 words)
- Lastly, provide at least one counter argument to your position based on the other framework you analyzed in the first essay assignment and respond to it. For example, if you wrote against utilitarianism in your first essay, how would a utilitarian object to your argument? How would you respond to that objection? (minimum 350 words)
- Bibliography. Remember, your citations and bibliography do not count toward the 1000-word requirement.
Full Answer Section
2. Prominent Ethical Principles and Positions at Stake on Racism
Racism, at its core, involves prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. Ethically, it represents a profound violation of dignity, justice, and equality. Several prominent ethical principles and positions are central to the discourse on racism:
-
Deontology (Duty-Based Ethics): A deontological perspective, particularly Kantian ethics, strongly condemns racism. Kant's categorical imperative demands that individuals be treated as ends in themselves, never merely as means. Racism inherently treats individuals as means to an end (e.g., maintaining power structures, justifying exploitation) or devalues them based on an arbitrary characteristic (race), violating their inherent worth and rationality. A deontologist would argue that there is a universal moral duty to treat all people with respect and dignity, regardless of race, and that racist acts are intrinsically wrong because they violate this duty. The principle of universalizability would also highlight that if everyone acted on racist maxims, society would be impossible or deeply unjust.
-
Utilitarianism (Consequentialism): A utilitarian approach would assess racism based on its consequences, aiming to maximize overall well-being or happiness and minimize suffering. Racism demonstrably produces immense suffering, inequality, and social unrest for its victims. It also harms society as a whole by hindering talent, fostering division, and diverting resources that could be used for collective good. From a utilitarian standpoint, racist policies and actions lead to a net decrease in utility, making them ethically wrong. The "greatest good for the greatest number" would necessitate eradicating racism to promote overall societal welfare. For instance, the economic costs alone of racial discrimination are substantial; a 2021 Citigroup report estimated that racial inequality has cost the U.S. economy $16 trillion over the last two decades due to disparities in wages, housing, education, and investment. Addressing these would generate immense economic and social utility.
-
Virtue Ethics: This framework focuses on the character of the moral agent rather than specific rules or consequences. It asks what kind of person one ought to be. Racism, from a virtue ethics perspective, stems from and cultivates vices such as injustice, unfairness, prejudice, and hatred. Conversely, combating racism requires virtues like justice, compassion, empathy, fairness, courage, and respect. A person of virtue would inherently reject racist thoughts and actions and actively work towards an equitable society because these actions align with virtuous character traits. The goal is to develop individuals and institutions that embody these virtues, making racist behavior unthinkable.
-
Ethics of Care: This perspective emphasizes relationships, interdependence, and the importance of responsiveness to the needs of others. Racism fundamentally ruptures caring relationships, creating barriers to empathy and fostering neglect of specific groups' needs. An ethics of care would advocate for policies and practices that foster inclusion, mutual respect, and an active responsiveness to the pain and marginalization caused by racism, prioritizing the mending of social fabric and ensuring all individuals feel seen, valued, and cared for.
Sample Answer
Applied Ethics Essay: Addressing Systemic Racism through a Virtue Ethics Framework
1. Introduction
This essay will explore the applied ethical issue of racism, focusing on its systemic manifestations and the moral imperative to address them. My goal is to demonstrate that a robust application of virtue ethics offers a powerful and comprehensive framework for understanding, condemning, and actively dismantling racism. The thesis is that fostering specific moral virtues within individuals and institutions is the most effective and ethically sound method to combat racism and cultivate truly equitable societies. My method will involve first summarizing prominent ethical positions on racism, then articulating a detailed application of virtue ethics to address systemic racism, and finally, responding to a utilitarian counter-argument.