For the midterm exam, read the assigned article which critically explores Antarctica and recent geopolitics. Consider it within the broader contextual diversity of human ethical, philosophical and cultural understanding:
Melting Empires? Climate Change and Politics in Antarctica since the International Geophysical Year
Critique, which is to say, evaluate and analyze the main ideas of the essay, along with the ethical and philosophical points of interest presented. Write a detailed essay, with specific reference definitions, comparison and contrast regarding some of the ethical philosophy presented in the MacKinnon/Fiala text, especially the ideas of utilitarianism and deontology as described by Mill, Kant and others. Your essay must make observations and present an argument of some kind, which is to say, express a point of view while utilizing evidence to support it. At a minimum, be sure to use at least six examples from the MacKinnon/Fiala text and sic examples from the essay article (i.e. at least 12 examples in total) as background and evidence for your argumentative point of view.
Be creative and feel free to experiment with your writing and critical faculties. However, be sure to employ critical discussion/examples/reflection, etc. in order to substantiate your engagement with the assigned material. Use an appropriate style format of your choice (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) adapted to the online text entry box. See syllabus for details regarding the midterm and writing criteria/rubric, etc.
Learning Outcomes
Students will write a critical essay wherein they:
1. Identify key assumptions and implications of major moral theories and concepts, and define moral concepts.
2. Identify key assumptions and key arguments in the public debate surrounding contemporary moral issues.
3. Evaluate moral arguments in the public debate for coherence, consistency, and plausibility, using understanding of moral theories.
4. Construct moral arguments.
5. Reflect on the connection between moral perspectives and personal and civic responsibilities.
Please use the 4 sources provided! please feel free to email me if you have any questions please! 🙂
