What are the key parts of each theory you need to remember for Applied Ethics questions? Utilitarianism Deontology Virtue Ethics

Sample Question Answers… How might a utilitarian attempt to justify preventative imprisonment (imprisoning someone to prevent them from committing a crime rather than because they have committed a crime)? Read through the two sample answers. Which is better? Why? What mark would you give them? Is there anything missing?

Sample Question Answers… How might a utilitarian attempt to justify preventative imprisonment (imprisoning someone to prevent them from committing a crime rather than because they have committed a crime)? Full answer. Uses this to get into the details of Bentham’s position (applying the hedonic calculus to preventative imprisonment). Good use of technical language. Would be nice to see consideration of an alternative type of Utilitarianism. Not a detailed answer (so insufficient material) but broadly correct and clear. No clear statement of what utilitarianism is. 11 6

Sample Question Answer… Explain how Kant’s deontological ethics can be applied to the question of whether we should ever tell lies. Read through the question answer. What is good about it? What could be better? What mark do you think it got?

Sample Question Answer… Explain how Kant’s deontological ethics can be applied to the question of whether we should ever tell lies. This response is set out in a clear, mostly integrated and logical form. There is imprecision in some of the language (Kant as a ‘deontologist philosopher’, for example). The content is correct, however, and demonstrates some detailed understanding, although the response does lack precise details in places: the penultimate paragraph could specify that we are dealing with a contradiction ‘in conception’, for example, distinguishing it from a ‘conception in will’. The concept of a ‘perfect duty’ appears in that same paragraph for the first time, while in the penultimate paragraph ‘freedom’ is introduced. These important details are not fully integrated with the discussion as a whole. There is some redundancy in the second paragraph (the evaluative contrast with utilitarianism), but even here this is tied in with bringing out the distinctive character of Kantian ethics in relation to lying. The final sentence foregrounds the categorical imperative and duty, which coheres with the way the answer has development. Overall, the response contains features of the 7-9 and the 10-12 band, but it makes the top band. 10

So what are we looking for?... Using the information from the mark scheme and the sample answers you’ve just seen – what is expected in an applied ethics question?

Explain how a Virtue Ethicist might respond to the question of whether simulated killing is ever acceptable.

Explain how <theory> might approach the question of whether we should ever go to war.

What kinds of things would you include in an applied ethics essay? What about essays? What kinds of things would you include in an applied ethics essay?

Is it ever morally acceptable to harm animals?

<Insert link to mark scheme>

Applied Ethics – Key Things to Remember They are looking for clarity – Don’t beat around the bush, make it clear what the theory says about a particular issue. They are looking for precision – You should be able to explain the relevant parts of a theory and how they link to the question. They are looking for depth – If a theory has more than one approach to a particular topic, at least reference the alternatives (even if you don’t go into detail). They are looking for understanding – If you need to use examples to help illustrate a point, do so. It will show you have a good understanding of the issue. If it’s an essay question: As above but you need to also consider counter-points to the theory you are discussing and engage with the material. This may be a criticism of the theory in relation to the topic (stating that Kant is cold and speciesist when it comes to his treatment of animals) or a general problem with the theory itself (Virtue ethics being vague). If you are adding general issues with the theories, the make sure they are relevant to the question. For example, don’t discuss the issue UT has with the abuse of minorities if there is no minority vs majority issue in the question. As with all essays you do not need to cover every possible avenue, but you do need to ensure you have a clear, well supported conclusion.