Walking down Market St. in San Francisco

You are walking down Market St. in San Francisco when a homeless person asks you for money. You
happen to have twenty dollars in your pocket, and you stop to think about what you should do. You can
tell that this money would make a difference in this person’s day, while you would hardly notice its
absence.
In this paper, you will argue that you should, or shouldn’t, give this person twenty dollars. First, you will
analyze this ethical situation using two of the moral theories we’ve discussed in this course: utilitarianism,
Kantian ethics, and virtue ethics. Think of these theories as three different perspectives on how to think
through an everyday moral dilemma. Then you will use one or both of these theories to construct an
argument about what you should do in this situation.
For many of you, this is your first philosophy class. To give direction to your writing, this paper will be
highly structured. I’ll give you the outline of a great philosophy paper, and you fill it in with content.
Assume that your reader knows nothing about philosophy. Write in a way that would make sense to a
friend or roommate. Your paper should be concise and on point. Once you’ve written a draft, read each
sentence in isolation and ask yourself “what does this contribute to the argument as a whole?” Maybe the
sentence is already perfect, but more often than not a sentence can be tightened up or deleted entirely.

1. In the first paragraph, introduce the issue and state your thesis, all in four sentences or less. Space is
   limited, so you’ll have to get to the point quickly!
2. In the second paragraph, use one of the three ethical theories to analysis the situation. What is the
   theory? What does it say you should do? Why? Be specific.
3. In the third paragraph, use a second ethical theory to analysis the situation. What is the theory? What
   does it say you should do? Why? Be specific.
4. In the fourth paragraph, argue that you should or shouldn’t give the person some money. In your
   argument, explicitly consider the implications of at least one of the ethical views above.
5. In the fifth paragraph, provide a brief conclusion.
   In making your arguments, it will be useful to refer to lecture notes, online slides, and the assigned
   readings on iLearn.
   Paper specifications:
   • Your essay should be 1,000-1,400 words (about 4 pages double-spaced).
   • Submit your paper through iLearn by 11:55pm on April 29.
   • The file format must be a pdf or a word doc. Pages files and Google doc files will not be accepted.
   • Include in-text citations and a works cited page using MLA or APA formatting.
   • Do not use outside sources.
   • Late papers will be penalized 1/2 point per day, rounded up.