Moral controversy, debate, disagreement, and dispute
First, select a topic of moral controversy, debate, disagreement, and dispute, Examples of such topics are euthanasia, the death penalty, abortion, cloning, etc. You can pick any such topic. It need not be listed here.
Next, detail the positions of each side of the ethical debate. Note at least two moral reasons each side presents to show their view on the topic is correct.
Now, we want to evaluate these positions using the moral theories we studied this week:
What would an Ethical Egoist say about this topic? What side would the Ethical Egoist take? What would the Ethical Egoist say to justify their moral position? Is there a conflict between loyalty to self and to community relevant to your topic? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
What would a Social Contract Ethicist say about this topic? What side would the Social Contract Ethicist take? What would the Social Contract Ethicist say to justify their moral position? Does your topic involve a collision between personal obligations and national ones? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
Finally, reference and discuss any professional code of ethics relevant to your topic such as the AMA code for doctors, the ANA code for nurses, or any other pertinent professional code. State whether and how your chosen topic involves any conflicts between professional and familial duties.
From an Ethical Egoist perspective, neither position on abortion can be seen as inherently “right” or “wrong”; rather they would focus more closely on how either choice would affect oneself personally. In terms of loyalty to self versus community, such an individual might come down on either side depending on whether they felt their personal interests were best served by protecting potential future lives or respecting individual autonomy in these matters – though ultimately this decision must be left up to each person individually based upon their own goals and beliefs regarding morality.
In contrast, Social Contract Ethics tends towards supporting the views expressed by those who are pro-choice as it promotes principles such as liberty and justice which coincide with allowing individuals freedom over decisions about their own bodies even if this infringes upon established societal norms (i.e., protecting unborn lives). However, due to its emphasis placed upon communal values there may also exist conflicts between personal obligations (such as parental responsibilities) and national ones (promoting respect for human rights) when considering issues involving abortion; thus requiring greater deliberation before taking action
Finally many professional codes specifically address topics related to reproductive health care including abortions so it is important for professionals working with pregnant women/families affected by them adhere relevant regulations governing medical practice in order maintain patient safety above all else while still abiding both legal restrictions imposed country/state level as well moral standards set forth respective field(s).