Essay Question for Topic 1: Write a critical evaluation on the question of whether or not it is morally justifiable to limit population growth, and if so, to what extent. Carefully review, reflect upon, and attempt to integrate the textbook material covered in DesJardins Chapter 4.
Your critical evaluation should include all the Essential Elements listed in the Essay Writing Guide: introduction, thesis statement, definitions and examples, 4–6 body paragraphs (4–8 sentences each), arguments, counterargument and response, quotations, and conclusion. As noted in the Essay Writing Guide, you should “employ [your] critical thinking skills” and ensure “an evaluative component is central” to your essay.
Topic 2: There are many reasons why you might decide to give up eating meat. You might worry about the health consequences of a diet high in red meat. Perhaps you just no longer find hamburgers or fried chicken delicious. Neither of these reasons would make you an ethical vegetarian—someone who decides not to eat meat because of moral concerns.
One reason that someone might decide that eating meat is wrong is that it violates the rights of animals. Philosophers have proposed several different theories according to which animals have rights—in other words, that they have moral standing. The utilitarian Peter Singer argues that the capacity of animals to suffer is the basis of their moral standing. We must take the pleasure and pain of animals into account in judging whether an action is right or wrong. Tom Regan, on the other hand, thinks that animals deserve respect because of the complexity of their lives. This deontological point of view sees an animal’s life as intrinsically valuable, in the same way that a human life is.
Not every ethical vegetarian believes in animal rights. Another reason for choosing to avoid meat arises from concerns about sustainability. Raising animals for food consumes significantly more energy than raising plants. A more anthropocentric argument for vegetarianism argues that the rights of future generations should come before your desire to eat meat.
Essay Question for Topic 2: Write a critical evaluation on the question of whether or not it is morally justifiable to eat meat. In your answer, be sure to include and analysis of either Regan or Singer.
Your critical evaluation should include all the Essential Elements listed in the Essay Writing Guide: introduction, thesis statement, definitions and examples, 4–6 body paragraphs (4–8 sentences each), arguments, counterargument and response, quotations, and conclusion. As noted in the Essay Writing Guide, you should “employ [your] critical thinking skills” and ensure “an evaluative component is central” to your essay.
Instructions
View the Essay Writing Guide.
Write and submit a thoughtful, clear and succinct thesis writing assignment of 1,000 to 1,500 words, in direct response to one of the two Module 2 Essay Question Topics above.
Draw directly upon our assigned textbook readings for this Module in carefully crafting your detailed response.
Please double-space your submission, include your name at the top of its first page, and be sure to cite all sources quoted or paraphrased from (even if it’s only our textbook). Please take careful note of the above formatting instructions.
Don’t forget to include a bibliography or “works cited” page at the end. Use MLA style to cite your sources.