Compose a brief essay of at least 400 words
but no more than 600 words (not including your references list) on the following
topic, referring to and critiquing relevant ideas from at least three of the
Week 5 readings as you develop your thoughts: What moral guide should
American society use for making moral decisions, moral absolutism, moral
relativism, or something in between? Make an argument for your stance.
Note 1: No matter what stance you take,
it is recommended that you make one of your three chosen readings the essay by
Ruth Benedict, as her essay has been hugely influential in the social sciences
and in the therapeutic community in America.
Note 2: While it is easier to defend a
middle-ground position that either strict moral absolutism or moral relativism,
nonetheless, it is possible to create a good argument for any position along the
spectrum between absolutism and relativism.
Write in essay
form (that is, in paragraphs, not in bullet points). Be as specific and precise
as you can be. Use the Discussion Board
Grading Rubric in the Assignments area to guide your thoughts on what
constitutes a high-quality essay.
