ETH230H1 (Morality in Cross-Cultural Perspective: Varieties in Value)
Dr. Sarah Warren
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FINAL PAPER PROMPTS
For your final paper, you are writing a philosophical essay. In response to one or more of our course texts,
you will create an argument based on a central guiding claim (thesis) and supported by a number of compelling
sub-arguments, drawing on high-quality evidence (e.g. empirical data, ethical principles or theories, analogies,
thought experiments, critical intervention, logical refutation, and so on) as needed. Do remember that there
must be a clear and identifiable argument and not merely exegesis (i.e. textual explanation). You will also need to
find at least two relevant, high-quality, peer-reviewed research sources to cite that assist you meaningfully in
developing your argument.
The exact subject and scope of your argument is up to you, provided that it takes the form described above.
Your focus should be on finding a compelling topic to which you would like to make a contribution by
constructing a coherent and well-substantiated argument; you will be assessed on the clarity, quality,
relevance, and persuasiveness of your ideas and writing (see rubric for full details).
Below, you will find three possible prompts that you can use as a springboard to formulate an appropriate
thesis. You do not need to answer every part of the prompt—use the included questions as inspiration.
However, if you prefer (see 4), coming up with your own prompt/subject is allowed and in fact encouraged as
long as you contact me with a very brief summary before the outline due date for approval.
1. In Plato’s Crito, Socrates presents a number of arguments against escaping and thereby avoiding his
criminal sentence. What kind of values do these arguments (or his argumentative strategies) exhibit?
What does it suggest about the relationship between the individual and the collective? Or about the
relationship between morality and law? How convincing do you find Socrates’ arguments? How do
you think they would be received by popular opinion today? Are there any contemporary parallels to
Socrates’ situation that you might draw on to enrich your views? Was there a better way to reconcile
the moral disagreement at play? (You may benefit from, and enjoy, consulting with and/or utilizing Plato’s
Apology if you choose this prompt.)
2. Both Cholbi and Odell identify ways that we might re-frame our thinking around the role of
labour/work in our lives. For Cholbi, our duty to work is not likely to be a duty at all; for Odell,
there are many positive gains to be obtained from not working (or at least from cultivating a different
relationship with attention, which is often meaningfully related to some form of labour). Is there
anything that Cholbi or Odell might have missed that could significantly extend, complicate, challenge,
or otherwise modify their accounts? Are there other values, principles, or social factors that propose
a different conclusion? Do you disagree with (or would you more radically affirm) any of their
observations, premises, etc.? How does this diverge from other ways (in the past, in different
cultures) that we do think about or have thought about labour? Is there another topic within
philosophy of labour that needs attention? Why?
3. In Cronon’s “The Trouble with Wilderness,” he challenges dualistic worldviews that clearly
distinguish between human and non-human nature. What are some of the reasons he offers for
doing so? Do you believe that these reasons are good? Are his suggestions likely to be more helpful
or harmful for transforming environmental behaviours? What strategies for creating new cultural
narratives around nature do you think are likely to be most productive? What kinds of worldviews
might be best aligned with these strategies? Are there other social justice issues that might be
important to consider in recuperating our relationship with the natural world? What kinds of
individuals should be part of this conversation?
4. Make your own prompt. As long as you review our course concerns and topics and see continuity
between a text/topic of interest and our course material, then you are welcome to develop it! Please
email me a very brief summary (2-4 sentences) before the outline due date so that I can make sure you’re
on the right track.
ETH230H1 (Morality in Cross-Cultural Perspective: Varieties in Value)
Dr. Sarah Warren
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Remember that there are many resources available to you to assist with your research, drafting, writing, and editing processes. See
both the syllabus and the numerous final paper resources available on Quercus (under Files).