Essay on "Critical Thinking and Application Problem Identification Mark"

Quoted Instructions for "Critical Thinking and Application Problem Identification Mark" Assignment:

1. Identification (10 points possible)

Define the central ethical problem to be resolved. Distinguish the central problem from other ethical

problems. Use details and examples to explain your response.

10-8 points 7-5 points 4-3 points 2-1 point(s) 0 points

Identifies the main idea or

problem with numerous

supporting details and

examples which are

organized logically and

coherently

Identifies the main idea

or problem with some

supporting details and

examples in an

organized manner

Identifies the main idea

or problem with few

details or examples in a

somewhat organized

manner

Identifies the main idea or

problem poorly with few

or no details or states the

main idea or problem

verbatim from the text.

Does not identify

the main idea or

problem

2. Research (10 points possible)

Gather information relevant to the central ethical problem. Use outside sources to gain a better

understanding of the problem and potential solutions. Explain relevance of information found. (Your

instructor will provide specific details regarding appropriate sources and citation format).

10-8 points 7-5 points 4-3 points 2-1 point(s) 0 points

Insightfully relates

concepts and ideas from

multiple sources; uses new

information to better define

problem and identify

options; recognizes missing

information; correctly

identifies potential effects

of new information.

Accurately relates concepts

and ideas from multiple

sources; uses new

information to better define

problem and identify

options; correctly identifies

potential effects of new

information.

Inaccurately or

incompletely relates

concepts and ideas from

multiple sources;

shallow determination

of effect of new

information

Poorly integrates

information from

more than one source

to support final

solution; Incorrectly

predicts the effect of

new information

Does not identify

new information

3. Analysis (15 points)

Compare and contrast available solutions relevant to the central ethical problem. Using inductive or

deductive moral reasoning, clearly explain the ethical implications the potential solutions may have

on the stakeholders.

15-12 points 11-8 points 7-4 points 3-1 point(s) 0 points

Uses specific inductive or

deductive moral reasoning

to make inferences

regarding premises;

addresses implications and

consequences for the

stakeholders; identifies

facts and morally relevant

information correctly

Uses logical reasoning to

make inferences

regarding solutions;

addresses implications

and consequences for the

stakeholders; Identifies

facts and morally

relevant information

correctly

Uses superficial

reasoning to make

inferences regarding

solutions; Shows some

confusion regarding

facts, opinions, and

morally relevant,

evidence, data, or

information

Makes unexplained,

unsupported, or

unreasonable inferences

regarding solutions;

makes multiple errors in

distinguishing fact from

fiction or in selecting

morally relevant

evidence

Does not analyze

multiple solutions

4. Application (30 points)

Apply two ethical theories to reach a resolution of the central ethical problem. What would the central

principles of each theory imply is the morally right or best course of action?

A. Apply one (1) consequential theory (Act or Rule Utilitarianism) 15pts.

Apply one (1) non-consequential theory (Deontology or Contractarianism) 15 pts.

For each (A and B) you are to resolve the central ethical problem using the central principles of the

theory. You are encouraged to use the *****Steps in Applying***** the theories presented in Chapters 4 and 5.

15-12 points 11-8 points 7-4 points 3-1 point(s) 0 points

Excellent summary of the

theory. All important

principles are included and

explained. Central

principles of theories are

logically and

systematically applied to

the central ethical issue to

reach a resolution of the

main problem.

Good summary of the

theory. Most of the

important principles

are discussed.

Explanations may be

lacking in depth.

Central principles of

the theories are

applied, but may not

be logically consistent

or applied to specifics

of case.

A more shallow

discussion of the

theory and

principles.

Applications of the

central principles of

the theories may be

shallow, cursory, or

too general.

Little or no summary of

theory, and very little

discussion of principles.

Applications of the central

principles of the theories are

either missing or are not

connected to the central issue

and options in the case.

Does not explain

central principles to

the theory. Does not

apply central

principles to reach a

resolution of main

problem

5. Decision-Making (10 points)

Select and defend the morally right (or most ethical) resolution to the central ethical problem. Using

facts and relevant evidence from analysis, thoroughly explain why this is the best solution.

6. Evaluation (10 points)

Identify and counter arguments against the option that you selected as being morally right (or

ethically best). What are the possible arguments against the resolution you chose? How would you

defend against those arguments?

10-8 points 7-5 points 4-3 points 2-1 point(s) 0 points

Insightfully interprets data

or information;

identifies obvious as well

as hidden assumptions,

establishes credibility of

sources on points other

than authority alone,

Accurately interprets data

or information;

identifies obvious

assumptions, establishes

credibility of sources on

points other than authority

alone, avoids fallacies in

Makes some errors

in data or

information

interpretation;

makes arguments

using weak

evidence; provides

Interprets data or

information incorrectly;

Supports conclusions or

solutions without evidence

or logic; uses data,

information, or evidence

skewed by invalid

Does not evaluate

data, information, or

evidence related to

best option.

10-8 points 7-5 points 4-3 points 2-1 point(s) 0 points

Thoroughly identifies

and addresses key

aspects of the problem

and insightfully uses

facts and relevant

evidence from analysis

to support and defend

potentially valid

solution

Identifies and addresses

key aspects of the

problem and uses facts

and relevant evidence

from analysis to

develop potentially

valid conclusion or

solution

Identifies and addresses

some aspects of the

problem; develops

possible conclusion or

solution using some

inappropriate opinions

and irrelevant

information from

analysis

Identifies and addresses only

one aspect of the problem but

develops untestable

hypothesis; or develops

invalid conclusions or

solutions based on opinion or

irrelevant information.

Does not select and

defend a solution

avoids fallacies in

reasoning; distinguishes

appropriate arguments

from extraneous elements;

provides sufficient logical

support

reasoning; distinguishes

appropriate arguments from

extraneous elements;

provides sufficient logical

support

superficial support

for conclusions or

solutions

assumptions; uses poor

sources of information;

uses fallacious arguments

7. Reflection (5 points)

Reflect on your own thought process. What did you learn from this process? What could you do

differently next time to improve the problem-solving process?

Writing/Composition (10 points)

Remember that this is a Gordon Rule writing assignment. 10 points of your grade will be based on the

writing skills you demonstrate in the paper. So organize your thoughts carefully, explain them clearly,

and proof-read carefully for errors in grammar and spelling.

10-8 points 7-4 points 3-0 points

Writing is clear, coherent, & wellorganized.

Very few grammar or spelling

errors.

Overall writing is acceptable, but

clear weaknesses in organization,

clarity, grammar or spelling.

Writing is unacceptable. Poor organization,

meanings are not clear, and/or numerous errors in

grammar or spelling.

5 points 4 points 3-2 points 1 point 0 points

Identifies strengths and

weaknesses in own thinking:

recognizes personal

assumptions, values and

perspectives, compares to

others*****, and evaluates them in

the context of alternate points

of view

Identifies strengths and

weaknesses in own

thinking: recognizes

personal assumptions,

values and perspectives,

compares to others*****, and

evaluates them in the

context of alternate

points of view

Identifies some

personal assumptions,

values, and

perspectives;

recognizes some

assumptions, values

and perspectives of

others; shallow

comparisons of

alternate points of view

Identifies some

personal

assumptions,

values, and

perspectives;

does not consider

alternate points of

view

Does not reflect on

own thinking