A1: Ethics Paper
Who, how many, and under what conditions should outsiders in need be granted entry into a nation state? This assessment task gives students the opportunity to consider the two key classic texts that build ethical arguments addressing these questions.
This task should take the form of an essay, with an introduction, a body and conclusion, and a reference list at the end (using Harvard referencing style).
The task is worth 25% of your overall mark. The word-count is 1000 words, excluding references.
Submit your assignment as a word document to the relevant dropbox.
The task:
Read and consider the arguments put forward by Michael Walzer and Peter and Renata Singer in the readings set for Week 4. Note that there are two sections of the Walzer reading.
The task has three steps.
1. First, in a paragraph each, summarise the key arguments presented by Walzer and the Singers in the selected readings.
2. Second, consider and discuss the ethical implications for each position.
In this part of your answer, you might want to consider some of the following questions:
Which social group do the authors privilege in their ethical arguments?
What special allowances, if any, do the authors make for non-citizens in need?
What would be the real-world implications for citizens? For non-citizens?
If taken to their logical conclusion, what would be the implications of these two positions?
Can you see evidence of one position (Walzer’s, or the Singers’) in Australian asylum policy?
3. Third, provide a reference list, using the Harvard style of referencing. As this task is a close examination of the set readings, your reference list should only include two references (the chapters by Walzer and the Singers), or maybe three (if you decide to refer to the Gibney chapter as well).
Tip: It is strongly recommended that you read the reading by Matthew Gibney in your preparation for this task. The Gibney reading will help you understand Walzer and the Singers' ethical positions, and put them in context within broader debates. It will also assist you to answer the questions relating to the ethical implications of these positions. You may refer to this reading in the body of your assignment if you find it useful to do so. No further reference material is required.
Marking criteria:
When marking, the assessor will consider the following:
Has the student followed the instructions and guidelines?
Has the student correctly identified and summarised the key arguments in the two readings?
Has the student demonstrated a thoughtful approach to the different ethical positions and their implications?
Is the task well presented, including clear written communication, and the correct use of the Harvard referencing system?