PHIL2003/1399 SHORT WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 2

Answer one and only one of the questions below in no less than 350 words (you may go over the word limit but you will lose marks if you are under the word limit).

This assignment is to be submitted electronically, in Blackboard. I will set up an assignment dropbox item under Assignments, where you will be able to submit your writing assignment. Attach your assignment in .doc or .docx format. Assignments submitted in any other manner – i.e., as email attachments or hard copies – will not be marked.

AVOIDING PLAGIARISM

Citing material from the course readings should take the form of parenthetical, in-text citations, which include the name of the author. If you cite material from other sources, do the same thing, but also include the full citation at the end of your assignment under the heading “Works Cited.” The full citation must contain the name of the author, the name of the work, the location of the publishing company, the name of the publishing company, the date of publication, and the page number (for the full citation of online sources, simply include a working link under “Works Cited”).

For this assignment, however, you do not have to cite any sources beyond the course material.

QUESTION 1

Do you agree with the psychological egoist’s claim that all human behaviour is fundamentally self- interested? Defend your answer either way, using one or two examples to illustrate your position.

QUESTION 2

How do social contract theorists argue for the claim that it is in your self-interest to follow the rules upon which cooperative living is based? Do you find his argument convincing? Why or why not. Your answer should include a discussion of the prisoner’s dilemma.

QUESTION 4

Most ethical theories stress that impartiality is important to acting ethically. Why do feminist ethicists deny this? Do you think that they are correct to do so?