Bioethics
Bioethics [PHIL 4430]
Term Paper
General description
The Final Paper is a bioethics essay, written on a theme related to and reflecting on course material. The theme, and to an extent the approach you take to the theme, are up to you.
Requirements Analysis of ethical perspectives on your chosen theme Synthesis of different perspectives Exploration of the theme - which may include alternative perspectives, exploring various perspectives in depth, considering implications of positions or issues, etc. Thesis and defense related to the theme Discussion of at least 2 required course readings and 1 outside source on the selected topic, in most cases. That discussion would include analysis and synthesis, and may include exploration. (This rule allows some flexibility. With permission, you may choose to discuss 1 required reading and 2 outside readings.)
See the syllabus for grading criteria.
Example Suppose your topic is physician-assisted suicide (PAS). For analysis, synthesis, and exploration, focus on the bioethical issues related to PAS. Analyze issues raised in course material and other material you choose to discuss. Synthesize those issues into a central focal point for your essay. Explore the issues further by inquiring into their implications or significance. For instance, there are many bioethical issues, and many perspectives on those bioethical issues. If you select just one bioethical issue, you might want to analyze different perspectives on it, synthesize perspectives to see what commonalities they have and what basic assumptions they make, and explore the implications for healthcare policy, or for health insurance, etc. The analysis, synthesis, and exploration are the most likely places you’ll do your discussion of your 3 sources. Your thesis and your defense of your thesis are just that: what your opinion is of the issue, and what your logical reasons are for holding that opinion.
Term Paper
General description
The Final Paper is a bioethics essay, written on a theme related to and reflecting on course material. The theme, and to an extent the approach you take to the theme, are up to you.
Requirements Analysis of ethical perspectives on your chosen theme Synthesis of different perspectives Exploration of the theme - which may include alternative perspectives, exploring various perspectives in depth, considering implications of positions or issues, etc. Thesis and defense related to the theme Discussion of at least 2 required course readings and 1 outside source on the selected topic, in most cases. That discussion would include analysis and synthesis, and may include exploration. (This rule allows some flexibility. With permission, you may choose to discuss 1 required reading and 2 outside readings.)
See the syllabus for grading criteria.
Example Suppose your topic is physician-assisted suicide (PAS). For analysis, synthesis, and exploration, focus on the bioethical issues related to PAS. Analyze issues raised in course material and other material you choose to discuss. Synthesize those issues into a central focal point for your essay. Explore the issues further by inquiring into their implications or significance. For instance, there are many bioethical issues, and many perspectives on those bioethical issues. If you select just one bioethical issue, you might want to analyze different perspectives on it, synthesize perspectives to see what commonalities they have and what basic assumptions they make, and explore the implications for healthcare policy, or for health insurance, etc. The analysis, synthesis, and exploration are the most likely places you’ll do your discussion of your 3 sources. Your thesis and your defense of your thesis are just that: what your opinion is of the issue, and what your logical reasons are for holding that opinion.