Utilitarianism Case

Position Paper

Directions: Please conduct research on the pro and con arguments concerning the morality of honesty. Focus particularly on cases where it goes against your self-interest to tell the truth or works to your advantage to tell a lie.

Your research should examine specific arguments as well as principles of ethical reasoning that come from utilitarianism, Kantianism, or Aristotelian virtue ethics. In formulating a response, consult your readings (texts & handouts), class discussions/lectures, and your own investigation of additional sources of information. Once you can articulate your position, please write a Position Paper utilizing the five headings below as organizational guides for your paper.

The following five sentences must be included in your paper:

1. In this paper, I will be arguing for the following position about truth telling...

(Clearly state your position in a thesis statement. Also, briefly mention the central issues surrounding the ethical question at hand and explain what makes the issue important for discussion.)

2. I think that some of the best arguments and principles of ethical reasoning for my position are... (Explain, do not list, at least three of the best specific arguments which support your position. In addition, include in your case any principle(s) of ethical reasoning from either Kantianism, Utilitarianism or Virtue Ethics that supports your position further. In other words, which thinker(s); Kant, Bentham/Mill or Aristotle contributed the best insights that strengthened your case.

3. However, there are those who disagree with my position and challenge it by raising arguments of their own. Some of their best arguments and principles of ethical reasoning are...

(Explain at least three opposing arguments. The arguments you pick must be ones that you consider to be the most challenging to your position. In addition, include in this challenge, any other principle(s) of reasoning from utilitarianism, Kantianism or Aristotelian virtue ethics that could call into question the insights from the thinker(s) you used above in support of your position.

4. I believe that each of the above mentioned challenges can be successfully answered ...

(One by one, specifically answer/refute each of the opposing views best arguments and principles of reasoning mentioned under heading 3.)

5. In conclusion, I still maintain that, on balance, my position presents a stronger case...

(Briefly summarize your position again, and mention what your regard as the strongest point you raised in the defense of your case that was difficult for challengers to overcome. Finally mention how your position translates into your personal