Philosophy homework
Choose only one prompt to write on. Reflection papers should be between 1.5-2 pages (double spaced, 12-point font). The first half should explain the theory, argument, or concept mentioned in the prompt; the second half should be your own reflection on the question(s) posed after “then consider”.
Prompt 1:
Explain the concept of moral equality, especially as explained by Jeremy Waldron in One Another’s Equals. Then consider: What is an example of a major social practice, institution, or movement that rests on this idea? In what sense does this social practice, institution, or movement assume that we are moral equals? How would this social practice, institution, or movement change if we were not moral equals?
Prompt 2:
Explain the concept of moral equality and how this concept can be used to critique existing (or past) social practices, institutions, systems of government, or movements. Then consider: What is an example of a current or past social practice, institution, system of government, or movement that can be critiqued in this way? How exactly does this social practice, institution, system of government, or movement fail to respect our moral equality?
Prompt 3:
Explain the difference between having no moral status, having moral status of some degree, and having full moral status (noting the three different possible components of full moral status). Then consider: How do you think the moral status of human beings is best understood? Do we have full moral status? If so, do you think we have all three possible components of full moral status or only one or two? Or do human beings just have a very high degree of moral status?
