Phil 320, Ethics (Vailati) Final exam essay topics

In the final you will be asked to write on one of the following topics.  The topic will be announced at the final; you will not be allowed to choose it.
In your essay make sure that you address the topic, and only the topic, fully.

1. Clearly explain Kant's rationale for the end-in-itself version of the Categorical Imperative.  Then advance what you take to be the strongest objection against it and a possible Kantian answer.

2. Clearly explain how Aristotle tries to show what human happiness (flourishing) consists in.  Then, present what you take to be a strong objection to his account and a possible Aristotelian answer.

3. Clearly state Hume's arguments for the claim that suicide is not a breach of duty to God.  Do you agree with Hume? Explain.

4. Clearly state and discuss either Warren’s or Marquis’ views on the moral permissibility of abortion.

5. For Kant, one of the biggest points against Consequentialism is that we cannot know the future. How could Mill reply? What do you think?