1. Morality and Nature
Describe why human beings have or do not have an obligation to be moral in their dealings and relationships with nature (excluding other human beings).
2. Ethical Code and Various Aspects of Morality
Look up an ethical system or code (e.g., your university, work place, or a company you like). Review the do’s and don’ts of their ethical code. Select 4–6 and explain how they apply to the various aspects of morality.
3. Assessing Whether Humans Are Good or Bad
Take a position on whether human beings are essentially good, bad, or a combination of both. State your position.
Explain how this position affects your approach to morality.
4. The Origins of Morals
List 3–4 values that you live by. Examine your life from childhood until now. For each of these values, identify its roots as honestly and accurately as possible.
5. Law and Morality
Describe 2–3 ways your local laws reflect your community’s moral views and standards. To what extent are any of the laws moral or nonmoral in their implications?
6. Morality and Religion
Explain why it is or is not possible to establish a moral system without any reference to religion.
7. Questioning Morality
“I should always be moral.”
“Human beings, in general, should be moral.”
Review these statements. Explain whether you agree or disagree with each statement, providing rationales and/or
examples to support your position.
8. Motivations behind Decisions
Analyze the motivation behind two or three recent decisions you have made and the actions you have taken.
To what extent were you motivated by self-interest? Explain.
9. Rules and Morality
Determine the extent to which you feel that human beings need rules in order to be moral.
10. National Healthcare and Cost-Basis Analysis Approach
Discuss how nationalized health care raises serious questions about the cost–benefit analysis approach to health care.
11. Assessing Your Style of Morality
Are you an ethical egoist or an act or rule utilitarian? Analyze how these theories have or have not worked for you while dealing with specific moral issues and problems.