I used your prompt (in Gemini) to get things rolling. I then shifted the focus to study questions related to issues students might face. And I think these could work well in group discussion during the first few minutes of class to get ideas and energy flowing. Vestigial bones of the essay and the grading remain.
Study Questions - Applying Ethical Theories (with Specific Details)
Instructions: Address all three questions in group discussion. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the relevant ethical theories (utilitarianism, deontological ethics, social contract theories, virtue ethics) by applying them to the scenario and comparing and contrasting their approaches.
Grading Scheme: (Each question is worth 20 points)
Application (10 points): Clearly explains the relevant ethical theory and applies it thoughtfully to the scenario.
Comparison/Contrast (5 points): Demonstrates understanding of the key differences between the applied theories or compares their approaches within the scenario.
Critical Thinking (5 points): Shows a clear and logical reasoning process and considers potential limitations of the theories.
Question 1: Group Project Pressure (Utilitarianism vs. Deontological Ethics)
You are part of a group project in your Introduction to Biology class. The project is a crucial component of your final grade, and your group has a reputation for struggling to meet deadlines. One member suggests copying a significant portion of a research paper found online, claiming it would save time and guarantee a good grade. You're hesitant because plagiarism is a serious academic offense.
From a utilitarian perspective, how would you weigh the benefits (good grade, saving time) against the potential harms (getting caught and penalized, damaging your reputation) of copying the research paper?
In contrast, a deontological ethicist might focus on following the rules. Explain how a deontological approach would guide your decision in this situation.
(Model Answer):
Copying a research paper presents a clear ethical dilemma. Let's explore it through two different lenses:
Utilitarianism emphasizes maximizing overall well-being. Copying the paper could ensure a good grade for the entire group, saving valuable time. However, the risk of getting caught is substantial. Plagiarism could lead to failing grades, expulsion from the course, and damage your academic reputation. These consequences could outweigh the potential benefit of a good grade.
Deontological ethics, on the other hand, focuses on following established rules (e.g., academic integrity). Plagiarism is a clear violation of these rules, regardless of the potential benefits. Even if it guarantees a good grade, deontological ethics would dictate upholding academic honesty and completing the project with original work.
Grading Rubric: (refer to breakdown above)
Question 2: Social Media Feud (Social Contract Theory vs. Virtue Ethics)
You recently witnessed a heated online argument between two of your close friends on social media. The disagreement centers around a sensitive social issue, and both friends are posting inflammatory comments. While you disagree with some of the views expressed, you don't want to take sides and potentially damage your friendships.
Social contract theory emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of others in a shared online space. Analyze how this theory would guide your decision on whether to intervene in the argument.
Virtue ethics focuses on developing good character traits. Explain how a virtue ethicist might approach this situation, considering qualities like courage and fairness.
(Model Answer):
Social contract theory suggests that we participate in online spaces with shared responsibilities. Letting the argument fester could contribute to a toxic online environment. Social contract theory might prompt you to intervene by privately messaging both friends, encouraging respectful discussion and reminding them of their responsibility to use social media responsibly.
Virtue ethics encourages developing positive character traits. In this scenario, virtues like courage and fairness might be relevant. Courage would involve intervening to try and de-escalate the situation. Fairness would necessitate considering both perspectives and encouraging your friends to have a civil discussion.
Grading Rubric: (refer to breakdown above)
Question 3: Smartwatch Security (Utilitarianism vs. Social Contract Theory)
You're considering purchasing a new smartwatch with advanced health tracking features. However, you've read concerns about the watch collecting a vast amount of personal data, including heart rate, sleep patterns, and even location information. The company claims this data is anonymized and used for product improvement, but there are worries about potential data breaches and misuse.
From a utilitarian perspective, discuss the potential benefits and harms of purchasing the smartwatch despite the data collection concerns.
Social contract theory emphasizes balancing individual rights and societal interests. Explain how such an approach would influence your decision on using the app.
(Model Answer):
Utilitarianism would involve weighing the benefits of the smartwatch's health features against the potential harms of data collection. On the one hand, the watch could motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle. On the other hand, potential data breaches could expose sensitive information. Even with anonymized data, there are concerns about who could
Just taught a class on Utilitarianism. The conversations about assets and weaknesses were good, and the kids engaged with a dilemma I proposed - Roughly: How does Utilitarianism suggest we respond to killing a death row inmate early because six people need the inmate's organs and will die if they wait. BUT - if I could construct dilemma's that are closer to the students' worlds, their engagement & inspiration would be greater. Enter your post, and I think I have a way now to do that. And, when we move to Kant, I can play each philosopher off against the other in productive ways; thank you! Brad
The biggest benefit is that Gemini produces three responses per submission. Often, the alternate responses are mere reformatting of the primary response, but sometimes the alt responses focus on a different reading of the prompt. That variance is particularly helpful when I am test-flying questions or prompts I hope to use in class - a chance to see how students might "hear" the question/prompt differently than I had intended. As for the depth of Gemini's responses, the more specific my prompt the better - no big difference there - but when I used it to help me draft a request for summer funding, it suggested formatting and contextual information that I would have not included - it knew the genre.
I used your prompt (in Gemini) to get things rolling. I then shifted the focus to study questions related to issues students might face. And I think these could work well in group discussion during the first few minutes of class to get ideas and energy flowing. Vestigial bones of the essay and the grading remain.
Study Questions - Applying Ethical Theories (with Specific Details)
Instructions: Address all three questions in group discussion. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the relevant ethical theories (utilitarianism, deontological ethics, social contract theories, virtue ethics) by applying them to the scenario and comparing and contrasting their approaches.
Grading Scheme: (Each question is worth 20 points)
Application (10 points): Clearly explains the relevant ethical theory and applies it thoughtfully to the scenario.
Comparison/Contrast (5 points): Demonstrates understanding of the key differences between the applied theories or compares their approaches within the scenario.
Critical Thinking (5 points): Shows a clear and logical reasoning process and considers potential limitations of the theories.
Question 1: Group Project Pressure (Utilitarianism vs. Deontological Ethics)
You are part of a group project in your Introduction to Biology class. The project is a crucial component of your final grade, and your group has a reputation for struggling to meet deadlines. One member suggests copying a significant portion of a research paper found online, claiming it would save time and guarantee a good grade. You're hesitant because plagiarism is a serious academic offense.
From a utilitarian perspective, how would you weigh the benefits (good grade, saving time) against the potential harms (getting caught and penalized, damaging your reputation) of copying the research paper?
In contrast, a deontological ethicist might focus on following the rules. Explain how a deontological approach would guide your decision in this situation.
(Model Answer):
Copying a research paper presents a clear ethical dilemma. Let's explore it through two different lenses:
Utilitarianism emphasizes maximizing overall well-being. Copying the paper could ensure a good grade for the entire group, saving valuable time. However, the risk of getting caught is substantial. Plagiarism could lead to failing grades, expulsion from the course, and damage your academic reputation. These consequences could outweigh the potential benefit of a good grade.
Deontological ethics, on the other hand, focuses on following established rules (e.g., academic integrity). Plagiarism is a clear violation of these rules, regardless of the potential benefits. Even if it guarantees a good grade, deontological ethics would dictate upholding academic honesty and completing the project with original work.
Grading Rubric: (refer to breakdown above)
Question 2: Social Media Feud (Social Contract Theory vs. Virtue Ethics)
You recently witnessed a heated online argument between two of your close friends on social media. The disagreement centers around a sensitive social issue, and both friends are posting inflammatory comments. While you disagree with some of the views expressed, you don't want to take sides and potentially damage your friendships.
Social contract theory emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of others in a shared online space. Analyze how this theory would guide your decision on whether to intervene in the argument.
Virtue ethics focuses on developing good character traits. Explain how a virtue ethicist might approach this situation, considering qualities like courage and fairness.
(Model Answer):
Social contract theory suggests that we participate in online spaces with shared responsibilities. Letting the argument fester could contribute to a toxic online environment. Social contract theory might prompt you to intervene by privately messaging both friends, encouraging respectful discussion and reminding them of their responsibility to use social media responsibly.
Virtue ethics encourages developing positive character traits. In this scenario, virtues like courage and fairness might be relevant. Courage would involve intervening to try and de-escalate the situation. Fairness would necessitate considering both perspectives and encouraging your friends to have a civil discussion.
Grading Rubric: (refer to breakdown above)
Question 3: Smartwatch Security (Utilitarianism vs. Social Contract Theory)
You're considering purchasing a new smartwatch with advanced health tracking features. However, you've read concerns about the watch collecting a vast amount of personal data, including heart rate, sleep patterns, and even location information. The company claims this data is anonymized and used for product improvement, but there are worries about potential data breaches and misuse.
From a utilitarian perspective, discuss the potential benefits and harms of purchasing the smartwatch despite the data collection concerns.
Social contract theory emphasizes balancing individual rights and societal interests. Explain how such an approach would influence your decision on using the app.
(Model Answer):
Utilitarianism would involve weighing the benefits of the smartwatch's health features against the potential harms of data collection. On the one hand, the watch could motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle. On the other hand, potential data breaches could expose sensitive information. Even with anonymized data, there are concerns about who could
Just taught a class on Utilitarianism. The conversations about assets and weaknesses were good, and the kids engaged with a dilemma I proposed - Roughly: How does Utilitarianism suggest we respond to killing a death row inmate early because six people need the inmate's organs and will die if they wait. BUT - if I could construct dilemma's that are closer to the students' worlds, their engagement & inspiration would be greater. Enter your post, and I think I have a way now to do that. And, when we move to Kant, I can play each philosopher off against the other in productive ways; thank you! Brad
The biggest benefit is that Gemini produces three responses per submission. Often, the alternate responses are mere reformatting of the primary response, but sometimes the alt responses focus on a different reading of the prompt. That variance is particularly helpful when I am test-flying questions or prompts I hope to use in class - a chance to see how students might "hear" the question/prompt differently than I had intended. As for the depth of Gemini's responses, the more specific my prompt the better - no big difference there - but when I used it to help me draft a request for summer funding, it suggested formatting and contextual information that I would have not included - it knew the genre.