By shutting down the province of Ontario, lives were saved as a result of fewer COVID infections. At the same time, deaths from other diseases went up as did unemployment and spousal violence. Is such an approach moral? What are the relevant considerations? Would a different approach have been preferred?

Potential Essay Questions

Answer one question in 1500-2000 words. The paper must be answered with a clear thesis and by citing relevant philosophical literature. Papers will be evaluated on the quality of writing and the use of correct argumentation (on the same basis as the midterms).

While it is not a research paper per se (you may cite only the course textbook), any paper would be substantially improved by at least making reference to non-course books.

For greater clarity: Any paper without citations to, at a minimum, the course book will receive a failing grade.

NB: some of the topics below can only be approached by using extra material.

As always, no internet citations allowed. Anything cited must have appeared in print (the only two exceptions are the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy).

The final version of the paper is due on Blackboard on April 18, 2021.

You will be working with a partner. You will submit the paper to your partner by March 28. When you submit the paper, you must identify a partner from the class who will work with you and correct your paper and allow you to make improvements. That person will be required to submit a letter that they have read your paper and recommend improvements. You will in turn read your partner’s paper. Be cautious to avoid plagiarism (I would recommend working on separate topics). Failure to resubmit the paper with the letter from your partner will result in you and/or your partner losing up to 5 points each (depending on my assessment of fault).

Topics

You should use one of these prompts to formulate a strong thesis statement. You do not need to address all prongs of the prompt, but you must show nuance and consider counter-examples in your answer.

• By shutting down the province of Ontario, lives were saved as a result of fewer COVID infections. At the same time, deaths from other diseases went up as did unemployment and spousal violence. Is such an approach moral? What are the relevant considerations? Would a different approach have been preferred?

• Is it moral to allocate immigrants residency in Canada based on education, age, wealth? How would your proposal compare to Canada’s system?

• Why do act utilitarians criticize rule utilitarianism for not being true utilitarianism? Can act utilitarians respond?

• Some other question, after prior approval from the instructor.