Ethical Issues Critical Analysis Paper – Arguing Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
In this unit on Ethical Frameworks you’ve studied the work of some of the more influential moral philosophers throughout history. Through Sandel’s argument about Affirmative Action, you’ve also read an example of how arguments for and against an ethical issue can be objectively presented. And, you’ve gained other perspectives of moral reasoning through the work and words of Jonathan Haidt, Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University.
In addition to the ethical frameworks we’ve studied in this unit, you have also been introduced to other forces which influence moral reasoning such as values, identity, culture, and bias.
As Jonathan Haidt reminded us in this week’s assigned podcast, as much as we’d like to believe we are completely rational beings, our moral judgments are most often based on intuition. Our moral foundations are driven by our core values. And, our “mind is gonna jump to conclusions,” and those conclusions are often wrong, but the flawed thinking is not easily recognized.
By staying aware of the power of these things which often hijack our rational thought, and using tools such as the ethical frameworks to guide an objective analysis, you can consciously reason through an issue. This skill will allow you to enter potentially divisive debates and difficult conversations with a respectful and constructive approach.
You will now bring these ideas together in an Ethical Issues Critical Analysis paper. You started your work on this debate in this week’s Active Learning assignment 09.03. You may review the letters which began this debate here:
Idaho Rep Barbara Ehardt Letter to Dr. Marlene Tromp
Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus Letter to Dr. Marlene Tromp
Ehardt, B. (2019, July 9). [Letter to Dr. Marlene Tromp, President]. Idaho Statesman (2019, July 19). Retrieved from https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article232834247.html
Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus (n.d.). [Letter to Dr. Marlene Tromp, President]. Idaho Statesman (2019, July 19). Retrieved from https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article232834247.html
For this assignment, you will analyze and discuss the arguments for and against the Boise State Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion initiatives as presented in the two letters to President Marlene Tromp – one from Idaho Representative Barbara Ehardt and co-signed by twenty-seven Idaho State Representative, and one from the Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus, signed by twenty-one Idaho State Representatives and Senators. Each side believes they are right – and their arguments reflect their respective values and fundamental guiding ethical frameworks. You will objectively analyze these arguments by identifying evident ethical frameworks and values which are foundations of the stated positions.
Assignment Directions
Complete an approximately two to three page, double spaced analysis paper.
When writing your analysis, incorporate the following elements:
Introduction to the Debate – Introduce the purpose of your paper and a general description of the debate.
Objective Summary of Letter #1 from Rep Barbara Ehardt – Write an objective and concise summary of the letter from Rep Barbara Ehardt to President Marlene Tromp.
Argument Analysis of Letter #1 from Rep Barbara Ehardt – Identify and concisely describe one argument presented in Ehardt’s letter in opposition to the diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives and identify one evident ethical framework (from those we’ve studied in this course) and one value which serve as foundations that support the argument. Justify why you believe these are connected.
Objective Summary of Letter #2 from the Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus – Write a concise, objective summary of the letter from the Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus to President Marlene Tromp.
Argument Analysis of Letter #2 from the Idaho Joint Democratic Caucus – Identify and concisely describe one argument presented in the Democratic Caucus’ letter in support of the diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives, and identify one ethical framework (from those we’ve studied in this course) and one evident value which serve as foundations that support the argument. Justify why you believe these are connected.
Connection to Learning: Demonstrate your understanding of the material we’ve covered by referencing both of the letters provided and at least three additional resources. These may be from the assigned resources you’ve been introduced to in this course or outside sources you’ve found. (for Active Learning assignment #09.03). Use the APA or MLA format style to properly cite and reference your sources.
Overall Objective Analysis: Review your paper to make sure that it is objective and analytical. Your personal opinion of the issues and “which side is right” should not be stated or evident.
As with any written assignment in this class, how you write is very important and appropriate grammar is part of how good writing is measured.
This assignment is to be typed, double-spaced, using a 12-point font with standard 1-inch margins. Use APA or MLA format style to cite and reference sources.
This assignment must be saved as a Word document or PDF file and uploaded to the Ethical Issues Critical Analysis paper assignment #09.06 in Blackboard.
Grading: This assignment will be graded based on the rubric attached to the assignment in Blackboard.
