The Classic Philosophy Paper
Topic- Build an argument around what you take to be the best objection to utilitarianism. Choose an example to illustrate how your objection presses upon the theory.
*Set up a theory- a theoretical foundation upon which you will lay the objection set up the relevant part of utilitarian theory, based in Bentham, Mill or Singer.
*Animate the theory- Use that foundation to think through an example of your choosing. It can be your own, or one of the big ones from our texts.
*Object to the theory- Raise and develop a clear objection, treating the example through the lens of the objection. You may pick up an objection from Nozick, Nussbaum, or Williams, or run one of your own. The stakes of the objection should be clear.
*Reply on behalf of the theory- Present the best argument your utilitarian could make to respond to that objection.
*Argue for the best view- Make a case for whether, in the end, the theory can stand up to the objection or not.
