Philosophy 118S: Ethical Issues in Science and Engineering
Paper Assignments

Write a brief paper, 4-5 pages, on the general topic of ethical issues in technology. What is technology? In what ways does technology, today, involve us in ethical issues? Are the involvements of scientists and engineers in the development of technology "value-neutral" or "value-laden?" Papers should be typed double-spaced with one inch margins. Click here if you want a discussion of this assignment. Due Wednesday, February 14th.

Presentation Papers

Each class presentation leads to a paper published in our Web paper archive. The process begins one week before the discussion when the person presenting the advocacy position posts an outline of points to be made through the presentations menu and form. This outline should be written with topic/thesis statements and should clearly indicate the positions to be taken. One day before the discussion, the person presenting the critique position posts an outline of points of his/her points. All class participants review these positions prior to class discussion and in the light of their readings.

For the purpose of consistency, in this course, the advocacy position will be defined as one which identifies ethical problems in some specific area of the practice of science or engineering and advocates some form(s) of limitation or control of these practices. The critique position will be defined as one which takes exception with the advocacy analysis and outlines arguments against (or problems with) that position. Please see the detailed discussion of presentation topics.

After the class discussion has occured, participants may wish to make further comments or ask questions. These can be posted through the discussion menu and will appear in the discussion archive.

One week after the class discussion, final versions of advocacy and critique papers will be posted in the paper archive and listed on the paper archive menu. The advocacy paper should be about four standard pages in length and the critique paper should be about two pages. Final papers should include citations to all sources of material used in preparation of the papers.

Term Research Paper

The term paper should represent a substantial research project that is independent of class assignments and projects. It should be twelve to fifteen pages in length (including a bibliography) and should be thoroughly documented through footnotes/endnotes to sources of information and discussion. The topic can be relevant to the course in any of several ways. It can develop a case study in the ethics of science or engineering similar to those used in the course. It can discuss the ethics of science, engineering, or technology in general. Or it can treat one of the philosophical principles involved in discussing the ethics of technology in a theoretical way.

The research paper should include:

1. An informative introduction to the topic. (This may involve some technical material.)
2. A discussion of the ethical issue(s). (That is, what in this topic results in ethical problems or dilemmas for scientists, engineers, or others involved?)
3. Some good examples of well-reasoned arguments on several sides of the issue(s).
4. A critical discussion of the topic and arguments.
5. A suitable conclusion.
6. An annotated bibliography.

The following steps should be followed for successful completion of a term research project:

1. A single-page proposal for your topic. Due Monday, March 18th.
2. A bibliography showing the resources that you have found relevant to your topic. Due Monday, April 8th.
3. An outline of your paper. (This should be a conceptual outline and should convey what you actually plan to write about, essentially paragraph-by-paragraph.) Due Monday, April 15th.
4. The final draft. Due at the time scheduled for final exam. Except for seniors

You may submit all of these except for the final draft by e-mail.