Part A
Journal: Motivations behind Decisions. There is a maximum of 1500 characters.
1. Discuss the extent to which you think the rule “Rape is always wrong” is an absolute. Can there be any exceptions to this rule? Give reasons.
2. Discuss the extent to which you believe the rule “Adults should never sexually molest children” is absolute. Do you think it is right to violate this rule? If so, under what conditions and why?
3. Discuss the problems associated with ethical relativism and moral isolationism and offer reasons to support your position.
4. Analyze any act that you have committed about which you have strong feelings (e.g., of regret or of pride). To what extent do you believe that this act was freely done by you or determined by forces working within or outside you?
5. When you analyze the world around you, to what extent do you believe that human beings are subject to the same types of determinism as plants and animals are? Explain your reasoning.
6. Do you believe that freedom and human happiness are incompatible? Explain your reasoning.
Part B
Given your understanding of justice, rewards, and punishments, do you think the penal system in the United States is a just one? Why or why not?
