Overview
You are being asked to write a critical research paper in which you present, respond to, and apply an issue in Immanuel Kant’s Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. Thus this paper will have three distinct sections, roughly equal in length.
You will first present a challenging/problematic issue in his work. This can be something that he does not explain in sufficient detail, an assumption he is making, or something that seems wrong or questionable. The point here is NOT to pick a topic and thereby argue that Kant’s version of deontology or deontology more broadly is wrong. The point, rather, is to present a challenge or problem for Kant. Just because it’s challenging does not automatically mean he’s mistaken.
Next you will respond to that challenge/problem. Ideally you will do so from the perspective of Kant: that is, imagine that you are helping him further clarify and/or defend his theory. However, you may think that the challenge/problem is insurmountable. Perhaps a deontologist can answer the charge, but Kant’s version cannot. Or you may think the problem necessitates taking on a different normative framework (e.g. egoism, utilitarianism). If you take this route, you must show how Kant would attempt to answer the charge and how that response is insufficient.
Finally you will apply your conclusion to your own moral life: how do the challenge/problem you have identified and your response to it impact your moral decision making? You may speak about decision making in general or consider some specific case study (e.g. whether it’s okay to forego donating $10 to help respond to the Australian wildfires). Whichever route you choose, you should consider a realistic application: do not try to apply the problem to some general topic like euthanasia or cloning.
In addition to these three sections, you should include an intro and conclusion. The intro should include a thesis statement and overview. The conclusion should summarize and nicely wrap-up the paper.
Research Components
This is a research paper, meaning you need to perform research and reference secondary sources. You are required to cite a minimumof 4 sources:
1. The primary source
2. An encyclopedia of philosophy
3. Two secondary sources, with at least one being scholarly (a journal article or book chapter)
Note 1: Ideally you will reference one source that is critical and one that is complimentary of Kant.
Note 2: Beware of online study guides and popular encyclopedias! I’m talking about SparkNotes, CliffNotes, Wikipedia and the like. There are better sources (e.g. an encyclopedia of philosophy).
