● Choose a contentious (debatable) contemporary moral issue. Use
this issue as the title of your assignment (it can be written as a
question). By “contemporary,” I mean an issue that is relevant to the
twentyfirst century (the year 2000 or later). By “moral,” I mean an
issue that addresses what individuals or communities should or
should not do. The conclusion of a moral argument is usually a call
to action of some kind, such as, “We shouldn’t create computers
smarter than we are,” or “We should make the process of
naturalization easier for immigrants to the U.S.” To better
understand the difference between moral and nonmoral arguments,
you can check out Ch. 11 in the textbook. You may also email me
with any ideas you are not sure about.
● Using SFSU library databases, choose a journal article related to
the issue (don’t try to use the same article as a classmate). The
article may belong to any field (not just philosophy), as long as it
features a moral argument. Also, make sure the article is
peerreviewed.
● Provide a full citation (you can use the “Cite” feature on the research
databases, or use MLA or Chicago formats for citations)
● Write a 1-2 paragraph summary in your own words. You need not
include all of the premises of the argument here just the main
ones.
● Create a reconstruction of the argument
○ At least 10 numbered lines; APPLY THE PRINCIPLE OF
CHARITY
○ Include and note any subconclusions (SC) or hidden
premises (HP), especially implicit moral principles. Note the
numbers of premises that support the subconclusions.
○ Circle the premise(s) you will object to in your future essay
● Create an argument diagram (with numbers and arrows conclusion
should be at the bottom
Today’s Schools Should Include Programs to Help Children with Identity
School is a place that can and is supposed to be fun and educational for all who attend. It is important that all of the students enrolled are involved in the activities that can have a positive impact on how they feel. While a majority of students in today’s schools do not have a problem with things such as their identity, morals, and values, there are some that do. For many, this is a rather minor issue, and it simply makes them said. However, there are others who are greatly distressed by this, and many areas of their lives are affected by this. They could skip school and their grades could suffer, which might have a negative impact on their adult lives. They may get into legal trouble, or have problems when they wish to get into college or apply for a job. We need to promise students that they will receive information that will aid them in becoming ethical individuals. “By forming ourselves as ethical beings, we activate our capacities for creation and potentially bring about an ever-evolving person (ourselves)” (Infinito 71).
Helping children find their identity is a good way of showing them what their morals might be. It could be useful for teachers to spend time in the classroom getting everyone involved and making them feel comfortable speaking to others about their values. If the children know each other well and feel relaxed around each other, they can help share their ideas about morals and values. Assisting students in caring for and understanding themselves is a step in the right direction. It has been shown that when students evaluate themselves morally, this helps them be less judgmental of others in a negative way (Infinito, 2003). Not only could this help with gaining confidence and self-esteem, this could also reduce problems such as bullying.
Time could also be taken out from class to ask the children what they are proud of in their lives, and what else they could do to accomplish more things like this. It is suggested that people should have a good relationship with themselves (Infinito, 2003) and children could be told that if they are able to do this, it might be easier for them to make more friends. In addition, this could help their self-esteem, which can also lead to a happier life and many other positive affects. Younger children could be taught ideas such as friendliness, gentleness, and truthfulness. We should make sure that children have good ethics so that they are social with their peers, and have more successful futures.
Some of the topics that could be discussed include the following:
1. Take time to think about yourself 6. Be honest
2. Don’t be assertive 7. Don’t be submissive
3. Don’t say anything hurtful 8. Think about the future
4. Respect others 9. Don’t lie
5. Be true to yourself 10. Have fun
The sub-conclusions are that there are numerous advantages for children who receive help with
their values and morals, finding themselves and an individual will aid them in becoming
successful in their lives.
Works Cited
Infinito, Justin. “Jane Elliot Meets Foucault: The Formation of Ethical Identities in the
Classroom.” Journal of Moral Education, 32 (2003): 67-76. Web. 8 April 2015.
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