The essay questions on the final exam will be taken from the following list. You will be given one of questions 1 or 2.  Answering this question will be mandatory.  You will be offered six questions from numbers 3 through 13, and will need to answer five of those, for a total of six.  The entire exam will consist of these essay questions.

When answering the essay questions, be sure you write an essay.  Do not just outline your position.  And in answering the questions on applied ethics (all but question 1 or 2), include a reference to some applicable moral theory.

1. Kant and Mill emphasize different elements of moral thought and practice.  Briefly compare these two theories.  Which one seems to account for our everyday moral beliefs and practices better?  Why?
2. Both Aristotle and Hobbes base their theories of morality at least in part on observing how people behave.  Compare what these two philosophers say about human behavior and how that affects their beliefs about moral behavior.  Which seems to give a better account of morality?  Why?
3. Is euthanasia justified?  In your answer, make sure you do the following: (a) give at least one argument based on a moral theory we have studied, (b) highlight at least one major objection to your argument, and (c) explain how you would answer the criticism.
4. Is it morally acceptable to use abortion to select the sex of a child?  What arguments could be given for and against this action?  Which is more convincing?  Why?
5. Some colleges and universities have rules against students and faculty having sexual relationships.  Should there be such rules?  Why or why not?  What kinds of ethical concerns would this raise, if any?
6. Is pornography morally wrong?  Some people argue that if they want to look at porn, they should be able to; after all, no one is forced to watch it.  Others take the view that it is degrading or corrupting, and therefore should be forbidden.  Argue for one of these positions; be sure to address obvious counterarguments in your answer.
7. It could be argued that if we just stop taking factors like race or sex into account in hiring decisions, certain minorities will continue to be disadvantaged.  Therefore, we ought to continue affirmative action programs to give members of these groups a chance to succeed.  How convincing is this argument?  What points could be made for it?  Against it?
8. Give one argument for and one argument against capital punishment.  Which one is more compelling?  Why?
9. Peter Singer, in his article on animal rights, suggests that animal experimentation is seldom justified.  What does he think would justify such experimentation?  What would not justify it?  How would you respond to his argument?  Do you agree or disagree?
10. Cloning holds great promise or great peril for the human race, depending on whom you talk to.  Explain why cloning should be allowed or not allowed.  Be sure to explain exactly what kind of cloning you are referring to in your answer.
11. What kinds of arguments might be given to justify terrorist action against a particular government or pattern of governmental action?  Would such a justification be convincing?  Why or why not? 
12. Pacifists hold that any use of violence is unjustified.  Imagine that you are a pacifist.  Explain why you hold this view to a friend on December 8, 1941.
13. Suppose a student found a way past a college’s security system and gained access to student records.  The student changed no grades, and told no one, though (s)he saw grades of many people.  Was there anything wrong with simply looking at the records?  If so, what?  Should the student report the break-in, letting the administration know that its security system is weak?  Why or why not?