The essay question will critically analyse a topic covered in the course while focussing on a key concept from the following list: autonomy; biculturalism; community; deontology; equality; identity, individualism; justice; legality; privacy; rights; wellbeing, virtue ethics. The essay question will be chosen in consultation with the lecturer. The topic chosen must not be the same as the topic of your first essay.
Examples of potential essay questions:
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Does depression undermine a person’s rationality in a way that prevents them from making an autonomous decision about whether they should undergo euthanasia?
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What impact, if any, should biculturalism have on New Zealand’s organ transplant policies?
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If pre-implantation genetic selection (PGS) could be used to improve people’s characters and reduce crime rates, should it be supported (or required) by the state?
Requirements
- Give the essay a title that clearly tells the reader what it is about.
- You must show that you understand the advantages and limitations of the approach used in the essay to answer the research question.
- Show that you have read and taken account of information from a number of kinds of sources when writing your essay. (The exact number will depend on your topic, but 5 is too few and 15 is usually more than is needed.)
- The quality of sources will affect the grade for the essay. Most (not necessarily all) of the sources should be primary sources and show your ability to find relevant research material.
- If you have any doubts or questions about this essay, please see the tutor or your lecturer as soon as possible.