WE USE THE BOOK: James Rachels and Stuart Rachels, The Elements of Moral Philosophy, 8th ed. (2014) (ISBN 978-0-07-803824-2)
We have read Chapter 1-11.
You are required to watch the film Dead Man Walking, starring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn (1995), which focuses on the unlikely relationship between a convicted felon Matthew Poncelet and a good hearted nun Helen Prejean. Matthew is facing the death penalty for the rape and murder of two innocent teenagers. As his execution date looms, Matthew asks Sister Helen to act as his spiritual counselor. Please answer the questions listed below:
SISTER HELEN PREJEAN Do you believe that her acceptance of the role of Matthew’s spiritual advisor was morally justified? MATTHEW PONCELET
In the moments before Matthew is put to death he apologizes for his crimes. He goes on the state that murder is wrong whether it is committed by him or by the State. Please discuss your views on this statement. Is murder justified when it is committed at the hands of the State to punish those who commit particularly dangerous crimes? Please remember to incorporate any and all of the various ethical relevant philosophies we have discussed in class and in our readings. However, it will be crucial to really analyze and articulate your arguments clearly and concisely. Please separate the essay related to Sister Prejean and the essay related to Matthew by a separate header for each. Please keep in mind that this is a formal writing assignment and approach it as such. I suggest that you outline your essay prior to writing it. While I am not requiring you to submit your outlines with your final paper, I think this is a very helpful tool. Come to me with questions and concerns well before the paper is due.
Instructions:
It is imperative that you site any and all work that is borrowed from another author!
Format: MLA
One-inch page margins. Line spacing should be set to double Name of author, name of professor, title of course, date of paper on the first page of the paper which does not count towards the minimum page requirement.
A works cited page beginning on a separate page at the end of the paper. Font size must be set to 12 which does not count towards the minimum page requirement. A header with author’s last name and page number one-half inch from the top of each page. Tips:
1. Make sure you meet the page requirements. The paper has a 4 page minimum and a 6 page maximum. Stay within the minimum and maximum pages limits. If you do not, then I will have to deduct 5 points automatically.
2. Make sure to fully answer each element of the question. 4. Please make sure your response is organized, well written and proof read for errors in spelling and grammar. 5. Outlining your response will help you tremendously. 6. MAKE SURE TO CITE ANY SOURCES!
7. Good luck!