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How to Write an Ethics Paper: Guide & Ethical Essay Examples
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An ethics essay is a type of academic writing that explores ethical issues and dilemmas. Students should evaluates them in terms of moral principles and values. The purpose of an ethics essay is to examine the moral implications of a particular issue, and provide a reasoned argument in support of an ethical perspective.
Writing an essay about ethics is a tough task for most students. The process involves creating an outline to guide your arguments about a topic and planning your ideas to convince the reader of your feelings about a difficult issue. If you still need assistance putting together your thoughts in composing a good paper, you have come to the right place. We have provided a series of steps and tips to show how you can achieve success in writing. This guide will tell you how to write an ethics paper using ethical essay examples to understand every step it takes to be proficient. In case you don’t have time for writing, get in touch with our professional essay writers for hire . Our experts work hard to supply students with excellent essays.
What Is an Ethics Essay?
An ethics essay uses moral theories to build arguments on an issue. You describe a controversial problem and examine it to determine how it affects individuals or society. Ethics papers analyze arguments on both sides of a possible dilemma, focusing on right and wrong. The analysis gained can be used to solve real-life cases. Before embarking on writing an ethical essay, keep in mind that most individuals follow moral principles. From a social context perspective, these rules define how a human behaves or acts towards another. Therefore, your theme essay on ethics needs to demonstrate how a person feels about these moral principles. More specifically, your task is to show how significant that issue is and discuss if you value or discredit it.
Purpose of an Essay on Ethics
The primary purpose of an ethics essay is to initiate an argument on a moral issue using reasoning and critical evidence. Instead of providing general information about a problem, you present solid arguments about how you view the moral concern and how it affects you or society. When writing an ethical paper, you demonstrate philosophical competence, using appropriate moral perspectives and principles.
Things to Write an Essay About Ethics On
Before you start to write ethics essays, consider a topic you can easily address. In most cases, an ethical issues essay analyzes right and wrong. This includes discussing ethics and morals and how they contribute to the right behaviors. You can also talk about work ethic, code of conduct, and how employees promote or disregard the need for change. However, you can explore other areas by asking yourself what ethics mean to you. Think about how a recent game you watched with friends started a controversial argument. Or maybe a newspaper that highlighted a story you felt was misunderstood or blown out of proportion. This way, you can come up with an excellent topic that resonates with your personal ethics and beliefs.
Ethics Paper Outline
Sometimes, you will be asked to submit an outline before writing an ethics paper. Creating an outline for an ethics paper is an essential step in creating a good essay. You can use it to arrange your points and supporting evidence before writing. It also helps organize your thoughts, enabling you to fill any gaps in your ideas. The outline for an essay should contain short and numbered sentences to cover the format and outline. Each section is structured to enable you to plan your work and include all sources in writing an ethics paper. An ethics essay outline is as follows:
- Background information
- Thesis statement
- Restate thesis statement
- Summarize key points
- Final thoughts on the topic
Using this outline will improve clarity and focus throughout your writing process.
Ethical Essay Structure
Ethics essays are similar to other essays based on their format, outline, and structure. An ethical essay should have a well-defined introduction, body, and conclusion section as its structure. When planning your ideas, make sure that the introduction and conclusion are around 20 percent of the paper, leaving the rest to the body. We will take a detailed look at what each part entails and give examples that are going to help you understand them better. Refer to our essay structure examples to find a fitting way of organizing your writing.
Ethics Paper Introduction
An ethics essay introduction gives a synopsis of your main argument. One step on how to write an introduction for an ethics paper is telling about the topic and describing its background information. This paragraph should be brief and straight to the point. It informs readers what your position is on that issue. Start with an essay hook to generate interest from your audience. It can be a question you will address or a misunderstanding that leads up to your main argument. You can also add more perspectives to be discussed; this will inform readers on what to expect in the paper.
Ethics Essay Introduction Example
You can find many ethics essay introduction examples on the internet. In this guide, we have written an excellent extract to demonstrate how it should be structured. As you read, examine how it begins with a hook and then provides background information on an issue.
Imagine living in a world where people only lie, and honesty is becoming a scarce commodity. Indeed, modern society is facing this reality as truth and deception can no longer be separated. Technology has facilitated a quick transmission of voluminous information, whereas it's hard separating facts from opinions.
In this example, the first sentence of the introduction makes a claim or uses a question to hook the reader.
Ethics Essay Thesis Statement
An ethics paper must contain a thesis statement in the first paragraph. Learning how to write a thesis statement for an ethics paper is necessary as readers often look at it to gauge whether the essay is worth their time.
When you deviate away from the thesis, your whole paper loses meaning. In ethics essays, your thesis statement is a roadmap in writing, stressing your position on the problem and giving reasons for taking that stance. It should focus on a specific element of the issue being discussed. When writing a thesis statement, ensure that you can easily make arguments for or against its stance.
Ethical Paper Thesis Example
Look at this example of an ethics paper thesis statement and examine how well it has been written to state a position and provide reasons for doing so:
The moral implications of dishonesty are far-reaching as they undermine trust, integrity, and other foundations of society, damaging personal and professional relationships.
The above thesis statement example is clear and concise, indicating that this paper will highlight the effects of dishonesty in society. Moreover, it focuses on aspects of personal and professional relationships.
Ethics Essay Body
The body section is the heart of an ethics paper as it presents the author's main points. In an ethical essay, each body paragraph has several elements that should explain your main idea. These include:
- A topic sentence that is precise and reiterates your stance on the issue.
- Evidence supporting it.
- Examples that illustrate your argument.
- A thorough analysis showing how the evidence and examples relate to that issue.
- A transition sentence that connects one paragraph to another with the help of essay transitions .
When you write an ethics essay, adding relevant examples strengthens your main point and makes it easy for others to understand and comprehend your argument.
Body Paragraph for Ethics Paper Example
A good body paragraph must have a well-defined topic sentence that makes a claim and includes evidence and examples to support it. Look at part of an example of ethics essay body paragraph below and see how its idea has been developed:
Honesty is an essential component of professional integrity. In many fields, trust and credibility are crucial for professionals to build relationships and success. For example, a doctor who is dishonest about a potential side effect of a medication is not only acting unethically but also putting the health and well-being of their patients at risk. Similarly, a dishonest businessman could achieve short-term benefits but will lose their client’s trust.
Ethics Essay Conclusion
A concluding paragraph shares the summary and overview of the author's main arguments. Many students need clarification on what should be included in the essay conclusion and how best to get a reader's attention. When writing an ethics paper conclusion, consider the following:
- Restate the thesis statement to emphasize your position.
- Summarize its main points and evidence.
- Final thoughts on the issue and any other considerations.
You can also reflect on the topic or acknowledge any possible challenges or questions that have not been answered. A closing statement should present a call to action on the problem based on your position.
Sample Ethics Paper Conclusion
The conclusion paragraph restates the thesis statement and summarizes the arguments presented in that paper. The sample conclusion for an ethical essay example below demonstrates how you should write a concluding statement.
In conclusion, the implications of dishonesty and the importance of honesty in our lives cannot be overstated. Honesty builds solid relationships, effective communication, and better decision-making. This essay has explored how dishonesty impacts people and that we should value honesty. We hope this essay will help readers assess their behavior and work towards being more honest in their lives.
In the above extract, the writer gives final thoughts on the topic, urging readers to adopt honest behavior.
How to Write an Ethics Paper?
As you learn how to write an ethics essay, it is not advised to immediately choose a topic and begin writing. When you follow this method, you will get stuck or fail to present concrete ideas. A good writer understands the importance of planning. As a fact, you should organize your work and ensure it captures key elements that shed more light on your arguments. Hence, following the essay structure and creating an outline to guide your writing process is the best approach. In the following segment, we have highlighted step-by-step techniques on how to write a good ethics paper.
1. Pick a Topic
Before writing ethical papers, brainstorm to find ideal topics that can be easily debated. For starters, make a list, then select a title that presents a moral issue that may be explained and addressed from opposing sides. Make sure you choose one that interests you. Here are a few ideas to help you search for topics:
- Review current trends affecting people.
- Think about your personal experiences.
- Study different moral theories and principles.
- Examine classical moral dilemmas.
Once you find a suitable topic and are ready, start to write your ethics essay, conduct preliminary research, and ascertain that there are enough sources to support it.
2. Conduct In-Depth Research
Once you choose a topic for your essay, the next step is gathering sufficient information about it. Conducting in-depth research entails looking through scholarly journals to find credible material. Ensure you note down all sources you found helpful to assist you on how to write your ethics paper. Use the following steps to help you conduct your research:
- Clearly state and define a problem you want to discuss.
- This will guide your research process.
- Develop keywords that match the topic.
- Begin searching from a wide perspective. This will allow you to collect more information, then narrow it down by using the identified words above.
3. Develop an Ethics Essay Outline
An outline will ease up your writing process when developing an ethic essay. As you develop a paper on ethics, jot down factual ideas that will build your paragraphs for each section. Include the following steps in your process:
- Review the topic and information gathered to write a thesis statement.
- Identify the main arguments you want to discuss and include their evidence.
- Group them into sections, each presenting a new idea that supports the thesis.
- Write an outline.
- Review and refine it.
Examples can also be included to support your main arguments. The structure should be sequential, coherent, and with a good flow from beginning to end. When you follow all steps, you can create an engaging and organized outline that will help you write a good essay.
4. Write an Ethics Essay
Once you have selected a topic, conducted research, and outlined your main points, you can begin writing an essay . Ensure you adhere to the ethics paper format you have chosen. Start an ethics paper with an overview of your topic to capture the readers' attention. Build upon your paper by avoiding ambiguous arguments and using the outline to help you write your essay on ethics. Finish the introduction paragraph with a thesis statement that explains your main position. Expand on your thesis statement in all essay paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence and provide evidence plus an example to solidify your argument, strengthen the main point, and let readers see the reasoning behind your stance. Finally, conclude the essay by restating your thesis statement and summarizing all key ideas. Your conclusion should engage the reader, posing questions or urging them to reflect on the issue and how it will impact them.
5. Proofread Your Ethics Essay
Proofreading your essay is the last step as you countercheck any grammatical or structural errors in your essay. When writing your ethic paper, typical mistakes you could encounter include the following:
- Spelling errors: e.g., there, they’re, their.
- Homophone words: such as new vs. knew.
- Inconsistencies: like mixing British and American words, e.g., color vs. color.
- Formatting issues: e.g., double spacing, different font types.
While proofreading your ethical issue essay, read it aloud to detect lexical errors or ambiguous phrases that distort its meaning. Verify your information and ensure it is relevant and up-to-date. You can ask your fellow student to read the essay and give feedback on its structure and quality.
Ethics Essay Examples
Writing an essay is challenging without the right steps. There are so many ethics paper examples on the internet, however, we have provided a list of free ethics essay examples below that are well-structured and have a solid argument to help you write your paper. Click on them and see how each writing step has been integrated. Ethics essay example 1
Ethics essay example 2
Ethics essay example 3
Ethics essay example 4
College ethics essay example 5
Ethics Essay Writing Tips
When writing papers on ethics, here are several tips to help you complete an excellent essay:
- Choose a narrow topic and avoid broad subjects, as it is easy to cover the topic in detail.
- Ensure you have background information. A good understanding of a topic can make it easy to apply all necessary moral theories and principles in writing your paper.
- State your position clearly. It is important to be sure about your stance as it will allow you to draft your arguments accordingly.
- When writing ethics essays, be mindful of your audience. Provide arguments that they can understand.
- Integrate solid examples into your essay. Morality can be hard to understand; therefore, using them will help a reader grasp these concepts.
Bottom Line on Writing an Ethics Paper
Creating this essay is a common exercise in academics that allows students to build critical skills. When you begin writing, state your stance on an issue and provide arguments to support your position. This guide gives information on how to write an ethics essay as well as examples of ethics papers. Remember to follow these points in your writing:
- Create an outline highlighting your main points.
- Write an effective introduction and provide background information on an issue.
- Include a thesis statement.
- Develop concrete arguments and their counterarguments, and use examples.
- Sum up all your key points in your conclusion and restate your thesis statement.
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Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.
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How to Write an Ethics Paper or Essay With Tips and Examples
- Icon Calendar 4 August 2024
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An ethics essay is one type of essays that students write to present their ideas about what is good or bad, right or wrong, white or black, and approved or prohibited in terms of various theories, approaches, techniques, practices, actions, behaviors, responsibilities, morals, results, obligations, virtues, and others, developing essential writing skills. When writing an ethics paper, students should understand that such an essay differs from other assignments, and it focuses on elaborating on issues with ethical or moral implications in philosophy. Basically, this elaboration entails writers arguing for a stand on an ethical or moral issue. Moreover, when writing such a composition, students should follow a basic essay structure: introduction-body-conclusion. In each of these sections, learners should capture critical elements, such as a thesis statement in the introduction part, topic sentences in body paragraphs, and a thesis restatement in the conclusion part. Hence, students need to learn how to write a good ethics paper or essay to demonstrate their knowledge of philosophy by using ethical and moral sides of an issue.
General Aspects
Academic writing is a broad discipline that exposes students to critical skills, including interpretation, explanation, reflection, and analysis of many essay topics. Basically, essay writing is one of the academic exercises that enable students to build these skills. One of the essay types that students write is a research paper on ethics. In this case, writers begin a research paper about ethics by introducing an assigned topic, explaining its significance, and presenting a clear thesis statement. When writing ethics essays in philosophy, students address issues related to morality, such as aspects of right and wrong or good and bad. Then, such concepts of ethics and morals underlie the importance of the right behaviors. In various settings, such as workplaces, humans establish codes of ethics and conduct to guide behavior. Therefore, when writing such compositions, a student’s focus is on how humans embrace or disregard good morals in society.
What Is an Ethics Paper and Its Purpose
According to its definition, an ethics paper is a written work that examines moral issues, ethical dilemmas, and contradicting cases, exploring questions of right and wrong. The primary purpose of writing an ethics paper is to examine and analyze various ethical theories, apply them to real-life situations, and present well-reasoned arguments to support a specific viewpoint on an author (Baron et al., 2014). Through this process, such a work aims to stimulate critical thinking and ethical reasoning analysis, helping people to understand different moral perspectives and refine their own beliefs. By examining the lens of ethical principles and their applications, such essays contribute to academic discourse, guide professional practices, and enhance moral awareness. At the individual level, people learn how to reflect on their values and the implications of their choices (Gorichanaz, 2023). Besides, an ethics paper typically includes an introduction with a thesis statement, a literature review, arguments and counterarguments, an analysis, and a conclusion. In terms of pages and words, the length of such a work can vary based on specific course requirements, topic’s complexity, guidelines provided by the instructor or institution, and academic levels:
High School
- Pages: 2-5 pages
- Words: 500-1250 words
College (Undergraduate)
- Pages: 5-10 pages
- Words: 1250-2500 words
University (Advanced Undergraduate or Honors)
- Pages: 10-15 pages
- Words: 2500-3750 words
Master’s
- Pages: 20-30 pages
- Words: 5000-7500 words
- Pages: 30-50 pages or more
- Words: 7500-12,500+ words
1. Defining Features or Characteristics
Like all other types of papers , an ethics essay has unique features that define it as an academic text. Writing ethics involves explaining and evaluating moral principles, applying them to specific situations, and providing reasoned arguments supported by evidence (Stichler, 2014). To some extent, these features influence an essay structure of a paper. Basically, the first feature is proof of the importance of a topic. In this case, students show this importance by constructing essay topics as challenging issues facing society, hence talking about it. Then, the second characteristic is a thesis statement, and learners in philosophy formulate them to shed light on a topic. Further on, the third feature is arguments that support a thesis, and the fourth characteristic is possible counterarguments. Moreover, the fifth feature is a rebuttal, where writers insist on the strengths of their arguments while acknowledging possible or real counterarguments. In turn, the sixth characteristic is a sum-up of an ethics paper. Here, authors emphasize a thesis statement by justifying arguments in their favor that they provide in a written document. Therefore, to write a professional ethics paper, people clearly define a specific moral issue, use relevant ethical theories, provide reasoned arguments, and cite scholarly sources (Stichler, 2014). In turn, an argument can be considered as an ethical argument if this statement meets certain criteria that distinguish it from other types of claims. Here are key characteristics that make an argument an ethical argument:
- Moral Principles: The argument is based on moral principles or ethical theories and involves considerations of right and wrong, justice, fairness, duty, virtue, or other good/bad concepts.
- Normative Statements: Moral claims include normative statements, which prescribe how people ought to act rather than merely describing how they do act.
- Reasoned Justifications: The statement provides reasoned justifications for its claims, relying on logical reasoning rather than emotional appeals or mere opinions.
- Universalizability: Philosophical approaches often aim for universalizability, meaning the principles applied in the argument should be applicable to all similar situations, not just the specific case being discussed.
- Consideration of Stakeholders: The argument takes into account the impact on all relevant stakeholders, considering how the actions or policies will affect different individuals or groups.
- Ethical Theories and Principles: The claim often references established moral theories and principles, such as utilitarianism (maximizing overall happiness), deontology (duty-based ethics), virtue ethics (focusing on character), or rights-based approaches.
- Consistency: Strong arguments strive for consistency, ensuring moral principles applied are coherent and do not lead to contradictory conclusions in different situations.
- Moral Language: The sentence uses moral language, such as “right,” “wrong,” “ought,” “duty,” “rights,” “justice,” “virtue,” and others, to articulate its points.
- Impartiality: It often requires impartiality, and key decisions should not be biased by personal interests but should consider the perspective of others affected.
- Ethical Reflection: The claim involves ethical reflection, encouraging critical examination of moral beliefs and assumptions to arrive at a well-reasoned conclusion.
2. How Does an Ethics Paper Differ From Other Essays
There are many types of essays that students write under a discipline of philosophy. Basically, each essay type has unique characteristics, and they distinguish it from other papers. For an ethics essay, these characteristics include addressing a moral issue, using an ethical lens to make arguments regarding a controversial matter, or explaining a dilemma (Jansen & Ellerton, 2018). Ideally, this type of paper focuses on elaborating on ethics and morality. In contrast, a narrative essay focuses on telling the writer’s story, while an informative essay focuses on educating the audience concerning a topic. Moreover, while some papers, like narrative or college application essays, utilize the first-person language, an ethics essay takes a formal approach to a third-person language. As a result, a good ethics paper clearly defines a particular moral problem, applies relevant ethical theories, presents balanced arguments, and provides well-reasoned conclusions.
3. How to Know if Students Need to Write an Ethics Paper or Essay
Generally, before students write some types of papers, they first consider the department or tutor’s requirements. Basically, these requirements can provide direct instructions, including a research topic, an essay outline, or a grading rubric (Baron et al., 2014). In this case, the latter helps students to understand the basic expectations of educational departments or tutors. Therefore, when students do not get direct instructions about their ethics topics, they can always know what type of essay they need to write by reading grading essay rubric requirements. For ethics papers, such prompts require students to take a stand on an issue of profound ethical or moral implications, such as fraud. In turn, key elements that tell students that they need to write an ethics paper or essay include providing an ethical argument, elaborating on a moral dilemma, or expounding on ethical and legal implications.
4. How Do Students Know if They Need to Write an Ethics Paper by Looking at an Essay Topic
Students consider the instructions given by departments or tutors when writing essays. Basically, these instructions provide directions on essay topics, and students should address them when writing their papers. When writing an ethics paper, students can know that they need to write this type of essay by looking at the department or tutor’s topic. Moreover, this ethics topic may require people to provide valid arguments concerning a matter, elaborate on a moral dilemma, or state whether an issue is ethical or legal (Deaton, 2019). In turn, a central message of a topic should require students to address an issue via a philosophical lens. As a result, to write an ethical dilemma paper, people describe a specific moral problem, discuss conflicting values, analyze possible solutions using philosophical theories, and conclude with a reasoned decision.
5. The Meaning of an Ethical Argument, Ethical Dilemma, and Ethical v. Legal Implications
Key elements that define an ethics paper include ethical arguments, moral dilemmas, and ethical and legal implications. For example, the term “ethical arguments” refers to a concept of taking a stand on an issue with moral implications and defending it (Baines, 2009). In this case, writers make relevant arguments to support their perspectives on an issue raising moral questions, such as fraud. Then, the term “ethical dilemma” refers to a situation where individuals find themselves whenever they face an issue raising ethical or moral questions, such as bribery (Baines, 2009). Moreover, authors are torn between two options, with one option having severe moral implications. In turn, the term “ethical versus legal implications” refers to a situation where a writer has to decide whether an issue, such as bribery, needs ethical or legal redress (Baines, 2009). Hence, ethical dilemmas mean the complexity of making moral decisions and require a balance between conflicting values and principles, while some examples of them are:
Examples of Ethical & Moral Themes
- Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence: Concerns and Potential Solutions
- The Ethics and Legality of Child Adoption
- The Pros and Cons of Taking Vitamin Supplements
- Plastic Surgery and the Pursuit of Beauty
- Human Cloning: Is It Ethical?
- Death Penalty: Key Pros and Cons
- Abortion as an Intervention Against Teen Pregnancy
- Is Voting a Moral or Legal Duty?
- Does Driving an Electric Car Indicate Responsible Citizenship?
- Social Media Use and Privacy
- Should Schools Enact Anti-Bullying Policies?
- Does Social Media Use Enhance or Undermine Socialization?
- Combating Music Piracy: Should Governments Get Involved?
- Organic Foods vs. Processed Foods: Which Is Healthier?
- Global Warming and the Extinction of Animal and Plant Species
- Should Politics and Church Separate?
- Is It Justified to Bribe to Avoid a Legal Penalty?
- Should Nurses Be Allowed to Assist Terminally Ill Patients to End Their Lives?
- Corporate Fraud: Who Should Take Responsibility?
- Is Corporate Social Responsibility a Humanitarian or Commercial Concept?
Ethics Paper Format
Note: This ethics paper format is general, while some sections can be added, deleted, or combined with each other depending on the scope, requirements, instructions, and purpose.
Ethics Paper Outline
Like any other essay, an ethics paper follows a specific structure that underscores its outline. Basically, this structure comprises three sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. When writing these sections, students must ensure they address all the essential defining features stated previously in their ethics essays or papers. When doing so, writers should confirm that the introduction and conclusion sections take 10 percent of the total word count of an ethics paper or essay, while the body, which is the main text, should be 80 percent. Hence, an essay outline of an ethics paper should look as below:
I. Introduction
A. Hook sentence. B. Background information on an ethical dilemma. C. Writer’s claim – A thesis statement covering a moral part.
II. Body Paragraphs
A. Argument
- state a position of an argument;
- support this position with evidence;
- explain how this evidence is right toward this argument and evidence;
- conclude why this argument is valid.
B. Counterargument
- provide a counterargument to a position in the first body paragraph;
- include evidence that supports this counterargument, being opposite to an argument in the previous section;
- explain how this counterargument and evidence in this paragraph are correct by using an opposite perspective;
- finish why this counterargument is valid for this case.
C. Rebuttal
- define the weaknesses of a counterargument;
- cover credible evidence that supports such weaknesses;
- write how these weaknesses make a counterargument irrelevant;
- end with a statement that explains why a counterargument is not valid compared to an argument.
III. Conclusion
A. Restate a thesis. B. Sum up on the argument, counterargument, and rebuttal. C. State a paper’s final claim with a moral lesson.
Explaining Each Section of an Ethics Paper Structure
When writing the introduction section, authors of an ethics paper should be brief and concise. Here, students should inform the audience about the purpose of writing by accurately expounding on an ethical issue they intend to address (Baron et al., 2014). In essence, this aspect means highlighting their stand concerning an issue. Moreover, formulating a thesis statement helps to accomplish this goal. In this case, writers frame their minds and structure their compositions via the use of arguments, and they defend their stand on an issue of profound moral implications. Notably, when writing the introduction part, which signals the start of an ethical paper or essay, learners should begin with a hook to grab the readers’ attention. This sentence can be a popular misconception or a question that writers intend to answer when writing an ethics paper or essay. In turn, the next examples of starters can help writers to begin their ethical analysis and set the stage for a thorough exploration of the topic:
- Moral implications of [issue] are complex and involve different considerations, such as … .
- One of the most pressing ethical questions surrounding [issue] is whether … .
- From the perspective of deontological ethics, [action] can be viewed as … .
- A utilitarian approach to [issue] would suggest … .
- The principle of autonomy plays a crucial role in the debate over [issue], as it emphasizes … .
- In considering the ethical dimensions of [issue], it is important to weigh the potential benefits against … .
- The controversy over [issue] highlights the tension between [value 1] and [value 2] … .
- Philosophical lenses, such as [theory 1], [theory 2], and [theory 3] provide a framework for understanding [issue] by focusing on … .
- The debate over [issue] raises significant moral concerns, including … .
- Examining [issue] through the lens of [ethical theory] reveals … .
II. Body Section
When writing the body of an ethics paper or essay, students should use a thesis statement as a reference point. In other words, they should use a thesis statement to come up with several ideas or arguments in defense of their stand on an assigned ethical or moral issue identified in the introduction part (Deaton, 2019). Basically, rules of academic writing dictate that students should begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence, whose purpose is to introduce a claim or idea they intend to elaborate on in the section. Then, it is advisable that, when writing the body section, learners should use different paragraphs to separate arguments logically. Moreover, students should follow a sandwich rule when writing every body paragraph of an ethics paper or essay. In turn, such a paragraph structure means providing a claim, supporting it with evidence, explaining its relevance to the paper’s thesis, and ending with a transition sentence to be connected with the next paragraph logically.
The conclusion part is the last section of an ethics paper. In particular, an ethics essay should capture several themes in this section. Firstly, writers should restate a thesis statement. Secondly, they should summarize the main points made in body paragraphs. Further on, this aspect means summarizing the writer’s arguments for their stands toward an issue with moral implications (Baines, 2009). In turn, authors should reiterate the paper’s topic and state why it was essential to address an ethical or moral issue. Besides, students need to avoid providing new information in this section.
Example of an Ethics Paper
Topic – Euthanasia: Is It Ethical?
I. Introduction Sample
Terminal illness is a condition of profound pain and suffering for those affected, including the patients and their families. Today, some scientists support euthanasia, the aspect of assisting terminally ill patients in ending their lives. While health professionals should do everything to help their patients to avoid suffering, assisting them in ending their lives is unethical and immoral.
II. Examples of Body Paragraphs
Life is a sacred thing, and no human being has any justification for ending it, regardless of whose it is. For example, the premise of a debate about euthanasia, which refers to assisted suicide, is the prevalence of terminal illnesses that subject individuals to a life of pain, suffering, and dependence. Without any hope of recovery, some individuals have opted to end their lives with the help of their loved ones or health professionals. While there is every reason to empathize with these individuals’ fate, there is no basis for supporting their desire to end their lives. In turn, the sanctity of life does not allow human beings to end life, no matter the circumstances.
If there seems to be no hope of recovery, ending life is counterproductive in an age of significant scientific and technological advancements. Basically, scientists are working round the clock to find cures for incurable diseases that have proven to be a threat to humanity. For example, today, smallpox is no longer a threat because a cure is found (Persson, 2010). Therefore, the fact that there may be no cure for a disease today does not mean that there will not be a cure tomorrow. Naturally, human beings rely on hope to overcome moments of darkness, such as a terminal illness diagnosis. Nonetheless, it is the effort of the scientific community that has always brought hope to humanity. In this light, there is no ethical or moral justification for euthanasia.
Euthanasia is not only a solution to terminal illness but also a sign of hopelessness and despair. When patients take the root of assisted suicide, it means that they give up on looking for alternatives in dealing with a problem. In this case, the fact that a terminal illness does not have a cure does not imply that it cannot be managed. Moreover, individuals who love a terminally ill person, such as family members and friends, hope to spend more time with them before an inevitable time happens. As such, terminally ill patients should use their families and health professionals to live longer. In essence, this aspect reflects true humanity – standing firm and determining amid of insurmountable odds. On that truth alone, euthanasia is an idea that deserves no thought or attention.
III. Conclusion Sample
There is nothing more devastating than a terminal illness diagnosis. Basically, such news punctures the hope of many individuals, families, and communities. Nonetheless, patients should not lose hope and despair to the point of wanting to end their lives because of being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Because life is sacred and there is always a higher probability of medical breakthroughs in an age of scientific and technological advancement, euthanasia is an unethical and immoral solution to a terminal illness.
Persson, S. (2010). Smallpox, syphilis, and salvation: Medical breakthroughs that changed the world . East Gosford, New South Wales: Exisle Publishing.
Essay writing is an essential academic exercise that enables students to develop writing skills. When writing an ethics paper or essay, students focus on taking a stand on an issue with ethical or moral implications. In this case, writers create a thesis statement that expresses their perspective on a moral issue, which can be an ethical dilemma. In the main text, authors provide arguments that defend their thesis statements. Hence, when writing an ethics paper or essay, students should master the following tips:
- Develop the introduction-body-conclusion paper outline.
- Introduce an assigned topic briefly and concisely in the introduction section.
- Write a strong thesis statement covering a moral problem.
- Use separate body paragraphs to introduce and defend arguments.
- Ensure to provide a counterargument and a rebuttal.
- Restate a central thesis statement in the conclusion section, including a summary of the main points (arguments that defend the paper’s thesis).
Baines, B. K. (2009). Ethical wills: Putting your values on paper . Da Capo Press.
Baron, P., Poxon, B., & Jones, L. (2014). How to write ethics and philosophy essays . PushMe Press.
Deaton, M. (2019). Ethics in a nutshell: The philosopher’s approach to morality in 100 pages . Notaed Press.
Gorichanaz, T. (2023). A compass for what matters: Applying virtue ethics to information behavior. Open Information Science , 7 (1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1515/opis-2022-0151
Jansen, M., & Ellerton, P. (2018). How to read an ethics paper. Journal of Medical Ethics , 44 (12), 810–813. https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2018-104997
Stichler, J. F. (2014). The ethics of research, writing, and publication. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal , 8 (1), 15–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/193758671400800103
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How to Write an Ethics Paper
Last Updated: May 16, 2023 Approved
This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 255,056 times.
Writing an ethics paper can present some unique challenges. For the most part, the paper will be written like any other essay or research paper, but there are some key differences. An ethics paper will generally require you to argue for a specific position rather than simply present an overview of an issue. Arguing this position will also involve presenting counterarguments and then refuting them. Finally, ensuring that your reasoning is valid and sound and citing the appropriate sources will allow you to write an ethics paper that will satisfy any critic.
Getting Started
- What is the main objective of the assignment?
- What specific things do you need to do in order to get a good grade?
- How much time will you need to complete the assignment?
- For example, you might begin with a topic of "ethical problems of euthanasia." This is very broad, and so forms a good starting point.
- Remember, you may refine your topic even further after you have begun writing your paper. This is perfectly acceptable, and is part of the advantage of writing a paper in multiple drafts.
- For example, you might include issues such as: "describing specifically what is meant by 'extreme, constant pain.' "Other issues might include, "the rights and responsibilities of physicians regarding euthanasia," and "voluntary versus involuntary euthanasia."
- After making this list, group or order them in some way. For example, you might imagine yourself taking the position that euthanasia is acceptable in this circumstance, and you could order the issues based on how you would draw supporting evidence and build your claim.
Developing Your Thesis Statement
- In your thesis, you should take a specific stand on the ethical issue. For example, you might write your thesis as follows: "Euthanasia is an immoral option even when patients are in constant, extreme pain."
- For example, this thesis statement is ambiguous: "Patients should not undergo euthanasia even when suffering constant, extreme pain." With how it's worded, it's unclear whether you mean that euthanasia should be outlawed or that it is morally wrong.
- Clarify your position to create a strong thesis: "Euthanasia is an immoral option even when patients are in constant, extreme pain."
- For example, in the thesis, "It is immoral for patients to choose euthanasia even when suffering constant, extreme pain," the moral burden is on the patient's actions. The author of this thesis would need to make sure to focus on the patient in the essay and not to focus on the moral implications of the doctor's actions.
- If the thesis you have written does not reflect what you want to argue in your paper, start over and draft a new thesis statement.
Conducting Research
- Ask a librarian for help finding sources if you are not sure how to access your library’s databases.
- A simple way to strengthen your argument through citations is by incorporating some relevant statistics. Simple statistics can have a major impact if presented after you've made a bold assertion. For instance, you may claim that the patient's family members would be unduly traumatized if the patient chose euthanasia, and then cite a university study that catalogued a majority of families reporting trauma or stress in this situation.
- Another helpful citation is one in which the broad issue itself is discussed. For instance, you might cite a prominent ethicist's position on your issue to strengthen your position.
- The author and his or her credentials. Does the source provide the author’s first and last name and credentials (M.D., Ph.D, etc.)? Steer clear of sources without an author attached to them or that lack credentials when credentials seem crucial, such as in an article about a medical subject. [3] X Research source
- Type of publication. Is the publication a book, journal, magazine, or website? Is the publisher an academic or educational institution? Does the publisher have a motive other than education? Who is the intended audience? Ask yourself these questions to determine if this source is reliable. For example, a university or government website might be reliable, but a site that sells items may be biased toward what they're selling.
- Citations. How well has the author researched his or her topic? Check the author’s bibliography or works cited page. If the author has not provided any sources, then you may want to look for a different source. [4] X Research source
- Bias. Has the author presented an objective, well-reasoned account of the topic? If the sources seems skewed towards one side of the argument, then it may not be a good choice. [5] X Research source
- Publication date. Does this source present the most up to date information on the subject? If the sources is outdated, then try to find something more recent. [6] X Research source
- To check for comprehension after reading a source, try to summarize the source in your own words and generate a response to the author’s main argument. If you cannot do one or both of these things, then you may need to read the source again.
- Creating notecards for your sources may also help you to organize your ideas. Write the citation for the source on the top of the notecard, then write a brief summary and response to the article in the lined area of the notecard. [7] X Research source
- Remember to indicate when you have quoted a source in your notes by putting it into quotation marks and including information about the source such as the author’s name, article or book title, and page number. [8] X Research source
Writing and Revising Your Ethics Paper
- To expand on your outline, write a couple of sentences describing and/or explaining each of the items in your outline. Include a relevant source for each item as well.
- Check your outline to see if you have covered each of these items in this order. If not, you will need to add a section and use your sources to help inform that section.
- In your first draft, focus on the quality of the argument, rather than the quality of the prose. If the argument is structured well and each conclusion is supported by your reasoning and by cited evidence, you will be able to focus on the writing itself on the second draft.
- Unless major revisions are needed to your argument (for example, if you have decided to change your thesis statement), use the second draft to strengthen your writing. Focus on sentence lengths and structures, vocabulary, and other aspects of the prose itself.
- Try to allow yourself a few days or even a week to revise your paper before it is due. If you do not allow yourself enough time to revise, then you will be more prone to making simple mistakes and your grade may suffer as a result. [10] X Research source
- Does my paper fulfill the requirements of the assignment? How might it score according to the rubric provided by my instructor?
- What is your main point? How might you clarify your main point?
- Who is your audience? Have you considered their needs and expectations?
- What is your purpose? Have you accomplished your purpose with this paper?
- How effective is your evidence? How might your strengthen your evidence?
- Does every part of your paper relate back to your thesis? How might you improve these connections?
- Is anything confusing about your language or organization? How might your clarify your language or organization?
- Have you made any errors with grammar, punctuation, or spelling? How can you correct these errors?
- What might someone who disagrees with you say about your paper? How can you address these opposing arguments in your paper? [11] X Research source
- As you read your paper out loud, highlight or circle any errors and revise as necessary before printing your final copy.
Community Q&A
- If at all possible, have someone else read through your paper before submitting it. They can provide valuable feedback on style as well as catching grammatical errors. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Things You'll Need
- Word-processing software
- Access to your library’s databases
- Pencil and highlighter
You Might Also Like
- ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/688/1/
- ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/553/03/
- ↑ http://guides.jwcc.edu/content.php?pid=65900&sid=538553
- ↑ http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/reading-and-researching/notes-from-research
- ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/05/
- ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/05/
About This Article
To write an ethics paper, start by researching the issue you want to write about and evaluating your sources for potential bias and trustworthiness. Next, develop a thesis statement that takes a specific stand on the issue and create an outline that includes the key arguments. As you write, avoid using words like “could” or “might,” which will seem ambiguous to the reader. Once you’ve finished your paper, take a break for a few days so your mind is clear, then go back and revise what you wrote, focusing on the quality of your argument. For tips from our Education reviewer on how to annotate source material as you research, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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How to Write an Ethics Essay: Unlocking the Roadmap to Success
When students get assigned to ethics essay, most of them think, "I wish someone could just write an ethics essay instead of me." Indeed, writing an A-level paper can be tough. But our ' write my paper ' team has you covered. Read on to find handy ethics essay expert tips on writing a brilliant essay!
What Is Ethics Essay?
Ethical essays are common in schools and colleges. This is a short form of a writing assignment given to students to help them develop and improve essential writing skills. Typically, such papers are between 1-5 pages long and have a free composition.
Basically, an ethics essay is just another form of a regular essay. The only difference is its topics. As you can guess from its name, such essays focus on elaborating on issues that have moral or ethical implications in philosophy.
Now that you know the definition, let’s figure out how to write a killer essay on ethical issues.
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Ethics Essay Purpose
The main objective of an ethics essay is to articulate a compelling argument concerning a particular stance on a moral concern. Typically, this type of essay necessitates a discussion rather than a mere summary of an ethical quandary. Within this framework, an essay exhibits resemblances to the characteristics of argumentative writing. Specifically, an ethical issue should be open to debate, implying that you must be able to present arguments on the topic.
Key Elements
We all hold varying perspectives on the same set of rules and behavioral norms. Actions that might appear peculiar or unnatural to one person can be entirely routine and socially acceptable to another. Consequently, a ' write my paper for me ' writer must address both sides of the issue. While an ethical essay should not aim to persuade readers to endorse specific behaviors, nor should it resemble an opinion essay, the writer needs to leverage certain techniques commonly employed in argumentative writing. Given its purpose, a good ethics paper should encompass key elements that are typical of an argumentative essay, including:
Significance of the topic: Discussing an ethical matter that challenges societal norms.Thesis statement: Clearly stating the primary focus of the essay.
Strong argument: Serving as a thesis statement centered on moral principles.
Supporting evidence: Providing facts and examples to bolster the arguments regarding the ethical dilemma.Counterargument: Addressing opposing viewpoints and justifying the reasoning.
Rebuttal examples: Offering additional evidence to substantiate your position.
Ethical Essay Fundamental Considerations
Academic writing encompasses a wide-ranging discipline that acquaints students of an academic or educational institution with crucial skills, including the ability to interpret, elucidate, reflect upon, and analyze a myriad of essay topics. Essentially, essay composition is a vital academic exercise that empowers students to cultivate these proficiencies. Notably, one of the essay genres frequently encountered by students is the research paper on ethics. Within the realm of philosophy, writing ethics essays involves the exploration of moral concerns, delving into concepts of right and wrong, as well as good and bad. These ethical and moral principles form the bedrock of proper conduct. In diverse settings, such as workplaces, individuals establish ethical codes and standards to govern behavior. Therefore, when composing an ethical paper, a student's central focus centers on the extent to which individuals in society adhere to or deviate from these principles of ethical behavior. Is asking to write my homework for me an ethical question? Based on the above-mentioned analysis, the answer is - yes.
Key Attributes of an Ethics Essay
Let's answer the what is ethics essay question. The definition of an ethics paper characterizes it as a type of academic writing that explores and discusses ethical principles, moral dilemmas, and issues related to right and wrong behavior. In such an essay, the author typically delves into various ethical topics, ethical theories, and the application of ethical principles in different contexts, such as personal life, professional settings, or societal matters. These attributes mold the structure of the essay. For instance, the primary characteristic is the demonstration of a topic's significance.
The second distinctive feature is formulating a thesis statement by philosophy students to elucidate the chosen topic. The third aspect comprises the presentation of arguments that buttress the thesis statement, while the fourth attribute involves considering potential counterarguments.
Furthermore, the fifth feature involves a rebuttal, where writers assert the strength of their arguments while acknowledging opposing viewpoints. The sixth and final characteristic encompasses the conclusion of an ethics paper. In this section, authors underscore the thesis statement by validating the arguments articulated in their written work.
What Sets an Ethics Essay Apart from Other Essays?
Within the realm of philosophy, various essay types exhibit distinct features that differentiate them from one another. In the case of an essay on ethics, these characteristics encompass the exploration of an ethical and moral issue, the utilization of an ethical framework to construct arguments on contentious subjects, and the elucidation of ethical dilemmas. Primarily, this type of essay centers on the exposition of ethical principles and moral considerations.
In contrast, a narrative essay primarily revolves around recounting the author's personal story, while an informative essay focuses on imparting knowledge to the audience about a specific topic. Additionally, whereas certain essays, such as narratives or college application essays, employ first-person language, an ethics essay adheres to a formal approach, utilizing third-person language.
How to Understand Ethics Essay Requirements?
When composing essays, students typically heed the guidelines set forth by their academic departments or instructors. Essentially, these instructions offer specific directives on the essay topics students are expected to explore in their papers. In the context of writing an ethics paper, students can ascertain the need to write this particular type of class assignment by examining the topic provided by their department or tutor. Furthermore, the ethics-focused topic may necessitate students to present ethical arguments related to a specific matter, delve into an ethical dilemma, or determine the ethical and legal aspects of an issue. Before you begin writing, understand that the essence of the topic should prompt students to examine and address the matter from an ethical or moral perspective.
What Is an Ethical Argument, Ethical Dilemma, and Ethical vs. Legal Implications
The fundamental components of ethics essay writing encompass ethical arguments, ethical dilemmas, and the distinctions between ethical and legal implications. For instance, "ethical arguments" involve the articulation of a position on a matter imbued with ethical and moral considerations and the subsequent defense of that stance. In this context, writers construct ethical arguments to substantiate their viewpoints on issues that pose ethical or moral quandaries, such as fraud.
Conversely, an "ethical dilemma" represents a scenario in which individuals grapple with a situation that raises ethical or moral questions, such as bribery. Authors find themselves torn between two options, one of which carries significant ethical or moral implications.
Additionally, the concept of "ethical versus legal implications" pertains to a writer's need to determine whether an issue, like bribery, should be addressed through ethical or legal avenues. This entails considering whether the matter requires ethical rectification or falls under the purview of legal remedies.
Ethics Essay Writing Structure Explained
Introduction
Ethics essay introduction is essential for authors to maintain brevity and clarity. At this juncture, students should give the readers a succinct overview of the paper's purpose, focusing on the specific ethical issue they plan to address. This entails presenting their stance on the issue, a task facilitated by the formulation of a thesis statement. Through this main point, writers outline their perspectives and structure their ethics papers around supporting arguments that defend their position on a matter imbued with profound ethical or moral significance.
It's worth noting that when initiating the introductory paragraph, which serves as the gateway to writing an ethics paper, students are encouraged to commence with a captivating hook. This opening sentence can take the form of a popular misconception or a thought-provoking question designed to pique the readers' interest and set the stage for the discussion to follow.
In the main body of ethical essays, students should rely on their thesis statement and the main argument as a guiding reference. In essence, this statement serves as the foundation from which they generate a range of ideas or arguments to uphold their position on the ethical or moral issue introduced in the paper's opening section.Following the established conventions of academic writing, students must initiate each body paragraph with a clear and concise topic sentence. This sentence's purpose is to introduce a specific claim or idea that they intend to expound upon within the paragraph. Moreover, learners should employ separate paragraphs to segregate their arguments logically.
Furthermore, when composing the body section, students should adhere to a structured approach, often likened to a "sandwich rule," for every body paragraph in an ethics paper or essay. This structural framework involves presenting a claim, substantiating it with supporting evidence, explaining its relevance to the paper's overarching thesis, and concluding with a transition sentence that facilitates a seamless connection to the subsequent paragraph.
The conclusion section represents the final part of an ethics paper. In this phase, an ethics essay should encompass several key elements as a brief summary. Initially, writers should reaffirm their thesis statement, reinforcing the central point of their argument. Subsequently, they should encapsulate the main arguments presented in the body paragraphs, essentially summarizing the rationale behind their positions on issues laden with ethical or moral significance.This also entails a brief review of the writer's key arguments in support of their stance.
Furthermore, authors should revisit the paper's central topic, underscoring its significance in addressing ethical or moral concerns. It is crucial to elucidate why the exploration of this issue was imperative. Importantly, students should refrain from introducing new information in the conclusion, maintaining its focus on summarizing and reinforcing the previously presented content.
Ethics Essay Outline
Ethics essay writing adheres to a structured format that outlines its organization. This structure primarily consists of three sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. When composing these sections, it is imperative for students to ensure that they address all the essential defining elements mentioned earlier in their ethics essays or papers. In this regard, writers should consider that the introduction and conclusion sections should collectively comprise approximately 10 percent of the total word count of the ethics paper or essay. The body, serving as the main content, should make up the remaining 80 percent.Consequently, the outline for an ethics paper should follow this format:
I. Introduction
A. Engaging hook sentence.
B. Background information on the ethical dilemma.
C. The writer's central claim – the thesis statement.
II. Body Paragraphs
A. Argument: Present a stance on an argument; support this position with evidence; clarify how this evidence aligns with the argument; conclude the validity of this argument.
B. Counterargument: Introduce a counterargument to the position presented in the first body paragraph; provide evidence supporting this counter argument, opposing the argument in the previous section; explain the correctness of this counterargument and its evidence from an opposing perspective; conclude the validity of this counterargument in the context.
C. Rebuttal: Identify the weaknesses in the counterargument; address substantial evidence that underscores these weaknesses; elucidate how these weaknesses render the counterargument irrelevant; conclude by explaining why the counterargument is not valid when compared to the original argument.
III. Conclusion
A. Restate the thesis statement.
B. Summarize the argument, counterargument, and rebuttal.
C. Present a final overarching claim.
How to Write an Ethics Essay in Five Steps
So, if you need to write a good essay on ethics, where do you start? You will be surprised, but it only takes five simple steps.
See a detailed writing guide below:
- Choose a Great Topic
Before you can start writing an essay on ethics, you have to pick a relevant topic that will relate to ethics or morals. To make a good choice, focus on something that you are personally interested in. And, don’t forget to make sure that there is enough information on the selected topic so that you can find enough supporting facts and materials to disclose your topic fully.
When you have a topic, your next step is research. Use the Internet, literature, and other resources to collect enough information for your ethical issue essay. Be sure to critically assess all resources and take notes to simplify the following steps.
- Make an Outline
Next, to make the writing process simpler, you should create a detailed outline for your future essay. Be sure that the outline follows the common essay structure. Include all the major statements, arguments, and facts that you’d like to include in your essay. And don’t forget to formulate your main thesis statement.
- Compose Your Essay
Writing essays about ethics can be somewhat tough. However, with a well-defined topic and a clear outline, the process of writing shouldn’t take much time. Follow your outline to create a solid introduction, body, and conclusion of your paper and move on to the final step.
Finally, the last stage of writing a brilliant ethical issues essay is revision. Ideally, you should give yourself a few hours/days to rest after writing and refresh your mind, and then get back to proofreading and editing your work. Check the final draft for style, punctuation, grammar, vocabulary, and other mistakes to make sure it is flawless.
If possible, ask someone else to take a look at the final piece. It will never hurt to have a second pair of eyes to look at your essay and (hopefully) help you notice any errors or issues that you could’ve missed.
Ethics Writing Stressing You Out?
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Ethics Essay Writing Tips
- If you struggle too much or lack time, ask professionals to write an essay for you to prevent failure and reduce stress.
- Don’t focus on rhetorical questions that you can’t really answer.
- Don’t pick too narrow or broad topics.
- Don’t hesitate to check out some samples of ethics essays before you start writing.
- Make sure you understand the chosen topic (and related terms) well and have enough materials to use in your essay.
- Keep everything simple, and don’t try to impress your professor with complex terms and formulations.
- Make sure that your essay about ethics is concise and clear. Remove everything that doesn’t bring real value.
- Use trusted sources to support the claims you make in your essay.
- Feel free to use the opinions of proven experts, as well as common misconceptions related to your topic, to make your essay look complete.
- Use scientific works of other authors to support your ideas.
Still Need Help With Ethics Essay?
Now that you have quality guidelines and tips, you should be able to handle the task.Still need help? No worries! Say, Please, write my essay , and our expert writers will help you get the highest grade. Get pro help and enjoy complete anonymity, zero plagiarism, around-the-clock support, and the lowest prices for high-quality academic help!
Writing Ethical Papers: Top Tips to Ace Your Assignment
17 August, 2021
13 minutes read
Author: Kate Smith
Writing a complex essay paper can be a tough task for any student, especially for those who do not have their skills developed well or do not have enough time for lengthy assignments. At the same time, the majority of college students need to keep their grades high to maintain their right to receive merit-based scholarships and continue their studies the next year. To help you with your ethical papers writing, we created this guide. Below, you will find out what an ethical paper is, how to structure it and write it efficiently.
What is an Ethical Paper?
An ethics paper is a type of an argumentative assignment that deals with a certain ethical problem that a student has to describe and solve. Also, it can be an essay where a certain controversial event or concept is elaborated through an ethical lens (e.g. moral rules and principles), or a certain ethical dilemma is explained. Since ethics is connected to moral concepts and choices, a student needs to have a fair knowledge of philosophy and get ready to answer questions related to relationships, justice, professional and social duties, the origin of good and evil, etc., to write a quality paper. Also, writing an ethics paper implies that a student should process a great amount of information regarding their topic and analyze it according to paper terms.
General Aspects of Writing an Ethics Paper
Understanding the ethical papers’ features.
Every essay has differences and features that make it unique. Writing ethical papers implies that a student will use their knowledge of morality and philosophy to resolve a certain ethical dilemma or solve a situation. It can also be a paper in which a student needs to provide their reasoning on ethical or legal circumstances that follow a social issue. Finally, it can be an assignment in which an ethical concept and its application are described. On the contrary, a history essay deals with events that took place somewhen earlier, while a narrative essay is a paper where students demonstrate their storytelling skills, etc.
Defining What Type of Essay Should Be Written
Most of the time, ethical paper topics imply that a student will write an argumentative essay; however, ethics essays can also be descriptive and expository. Each of these essay types has different guidelines for writing, so be sure you know them before you start writing your papers on ethics. In case you missed this step in your ethical paper preparation stage, you would end up writing a paper that misses many important points.
Studying the Ethical Paper Guidelines
Once you get your ethical paper assignment, look through the guidelines that your instructor provided to you. If you receive them during the class, don’t hesitate to pose any questions immediately to remove any misunderstanding before writing an ethics paper outline, or ask for references that you need to use. When you are about to write your first draft, don’t rush: read the paper instructions once again to make sure you understand what is needed from you.
Paying Attention to the Paper Topic
The next thing you need to pay attention to is the ethical paper topic: once you are given one, make sure it falls into the scope of your educational course. After that, consider what additional knowledge may be needed to elaborate on your topic and think about what courses of your program could be helpful for it. Once you are done, read through your topic again to recheck whether you understand your assignment right.
Understanding the Notions of Ethical Arguments, Ethical and Legal Implications, and Ethical Dilemma
Last but not least, another important factor is that a student has to understand the basic terms of the assignment to write a high-quality paper. Ethical arguments are a set of moral rules that are used to defend your position on an ethical issue stated in your essay topic. We refer to ethical versus legal implications when we think about the compensation for certain ethical dilemma outcomes and whether it should be a moral punishment or legal judgment. An ethical dilemma itself refers to a problem or situation which makes an individual doubt what position to take: e.g, abortion, bribery, corruption, etc.
Writing Outline and Structure of an Ethics Paper
Every essay has a structure that makes it a solid piece of writing with straight reasoning and argumentation, and an ethics paper is not an exclusion. This paper has an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Below, we will describe how each part of ethical papers should be organized and what information they should contain.
First comes the introduction. It is the opening part of your paper which helps a reader to get familiar with your topic and understand what your paper will be about. Therefore, it should contain some information on your ethics paper topics and a thesis statement, which is a central statement of your paper.
The essay body is the most substantive part of your essay where all the reasoning and arguments should be presented. Each paragraph should contain an argument that supports or contradicts your thesis statement and pieces of evidence to support your position. Pick at least three arguments to make your position clear in your essay, and then your paper will be considered well-structured.
The third part of an ethics paper outline is a conclusion, which is a finishing essay part. Its goal is to wrap up the whole essay and make the author’s position clear for the last time. The thoughtful formulation in this essay part should be especially clear and concise to demonstrate the writer’s ability to make conclusions and persuade readers.
Also, don’t forget to include the works cited page after your writing. It should mention all the reference materials that you used in your paper in the order of appearance or in the alphabetical one. This page should be formatted according to the assigned formatting style. Most often, the most frequently used format for ethical papers is APA.
20 Examples of Ethical Paper Topics
- Are there any issues in the 21st century that we can consider immoral and why?
- What is corporate ethics?
- Why is being selfish no longer an issue in 2023?
- Euthanasia: pros and cons
- Marijuana legalization: should it be allowed all over the world?
- Is abortion an ethical issue nowadays?
- Can we invent a universal religion appropriate for all?
- Is the church necessary to pray to God?
- Can we forgive infidelity and should we do it?
- How to react if you are witnessing high school bullying?
- What are the ways to respond to a family abusing individual?
- How to demand your privacy protection in a digital world?
- The history of the American ethical thought
- Can war be ethical and what should the conflicting sides do to make it possible?
- Ethical issues of keeping a zoo in 2023
- Who is in charge of controlling the world’s population?
- How to achieve equality in the world’s rich and poor gap?
- Is science ethical?
- How ethical is genetic engineering?
- Why many countries refuse to go back to carrying out the death penalty?
Ethical Papers Examples
If you still have no idea about how to write an ethics paper, looking through other students’ successful examples is always a good idea. Below, you can find a relevant ethics paper example that you can skim through and see how to build your reasoning and argumentation in your own paper.
https://www.currentschoolnews.com/education-news/ethics-essay-examples/
https://sites.psu.edu/academy/2014/11/18/essay-2-personal-ethics-and-decision-making/
Ethical Papers Writing Tips
Choose a topic that falls into the ethics course program.
In case you were not given the ethics paper topic, consider choosing it yourself. To do that, brainstorm the ethical issues that fascinate you enough to do research. List all these issues on a paper sheet and then cross out those that are too broad or require expertise that you don’t have. The next step you need to take is to choose three or four ethical topics for papers from the list and try to do a quick search online to find out whether these topics are elaborated enough to find sources and reference materials on them. Last, choose one topic that you like the most and find the most relevant one in terms of available data for reference.
Do your research
Once the topic is chosen and organized, dive deeper into it to find the most credible, reliable, and trusted service. Use your university library, online scientific journals, documentaries, and other sources to get the information from. Remember to take notes while working with every new piece of reference material to not forget the ideas that you will base your argumentation on.
Follow the guidelines for a paper outline
During the preparation for your ethical paper and the process of writing it, remember to follow your professor’s instructions (e.g. font, size, spacing, citation style, etc.). If you neglect them, your grade for the paper will decrease significantly.
Write the essay body first
Do not rush to start writing your ethics papers from the very beginning; to write a good essay, you need to have your outline and thesis statement first. Then, go to writing body paragraphs to demonstrate your expertise on the issue you are writing about. Remember that one supporting idea should be covered in one paragraph and should be followed by the piece of evidence that confirms it.
Make sure your introduction and conclusion translate the same message
After your essay body is done, write a conclusion and an introduction for your paper. The main tip regarding these ethics paper parts is that you should make them interrelated: your conclusion has to restate your introduction but not repeat it. Also, a conclusion should wrap up your writing and make it credible for the audience.
Add citations
Every top-quality paper has the works cited page and citations to demonstrate that the research on the topic has been carried out. Therefore, do not omit this point when formatting your paper: add all the sources to the works cited page and pay attention to citing throughout the text. The latter should be done according to the formatting style indicated in your instructions.
Edit your paper
Last but not least is the editing and proofreading stage that you need to carry out before you submit your paper to your instructor. Consider keeping your first draft away from sight for a day or two to have a rest, and then go back to check it for errors and redundant phrases. Don’t rush to change anything immediately after finishing your writing since you are already tired and less focused, so some mistakes may be missed.
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Related topic
How to write an essay about ethics, understanding ethics.
Before writing an essay about ethics, it is essential to understand what ethics entails. Ethics, often referred to as moral philosophy, involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior. It explores questions of morality, including how individuals ought to act and the definition of what is good. Begin your essay by defining ethics and its importance in everyday life. Discuss different ethical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and existential ethics. Understanding these theories will provide a solid foundation for analyzing ethical questions and dilemmas in your essay.
Developing a Thesis Statement
A strong essay on ethics should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about an ethical topic. For example, you might analyze a particular ethical dilemma, discuss the application of ethical theories in real-world scenarios, or argue the importance of ethics in a specific field, such as business or medicine. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured approach to your analysis.
Gathering Supporting Evidence
To support your thesis, gather evidence from philosophical texts, real-life examples, case studies, or scholarly research. This evidence might include analyses of historical ethical dilemmas, discussions of ethical practices in different cultures, or recent developments in ethical theory. Use this evidence to support your thesis and build a persuasive argument. Remember to consider different perspectives and counterarguments to present a well-rounded discussion.
Analyzing Ethical Theories and Applications
Dedicate a section of your essay to analyzing ethical theories and their applications. Discuss how these theories provide frameworks for understanding what constitutes ethical behavior. Explore how different ethical theories might approach a particular dilemma or issue. For instance, consider how a utilitarian might approach a problem differently than a deontologist. This analysis will demonstrate your understanding of ethical theories and your ability to apply them to real-world situations.
Concluding the Essay
Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence provided. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the significance of ethical reasoning and decision-making. You might also want to reflect on the broader implications of your findings, such as the role of ethics in societal progress or personal growth.
Reviewing and Refining Your Essay
After completing your essay, review and refine it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to further improve your essay. A well-crafted essay on ethics will not only demonstrate your understanding of moral philosophy but also your ability to engage critically with complex ethical issues.
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How to write an essay on ethics simple guide
Writing an essay on ethics requires more than just an interesting topic. You must have a vast knowledge of the topic and excellent writing skills. Using relevant content will help you write a quality essay on ethical dilemmas. Your paper must also have an organized structure that includes all necessary elements to articulate your ideas clearly.
This article will shed more light on the elements of ethical essays and discuss the various steps to writing an essay on ethics. Get more insights on the features to include in your paper from our article below. You can also entrust our essay writers with your essay on work ethics. Let’s begin by discussing the different elements of an essay on ethics.
Different aspects to consider when writing essays on ethics
Academic writing is a broad field that exposes students to essential skills such as interpretation, clarification, reflection, and analysis. Essay writing is among the academic tasks that allow students to develop these skills. Essays on ethical issues are some of the tasks you will encounter in your academic journey.
When writing an essay on ethical leadership, you will distinguish between right and wrong moral issues. Such ethical and moral concepts then underpin the significance of proper behavior. In working environments, you can establish codes of ethics and conduct to guide behavior in different settings. When writing an ethics paper, you should concentrate on how people adopt or overlook good societal morals.
1. Describing features of your ethics research paper
An ethics paper has unique characteristics that distinguish it as an academic text. These characteristics impact the essay structure of a paper to some degree. The first crucial feature is evidence of a topic’s significance.
In this case, you will demonstrate this significance by establishing and discussing essay topics as challenging societal issues. The second feature is a thesis statement, which philosophy students create to shed light on a topic. Another important feature is arguments that support your thesis statement.
The fourth feature is the counterarguments to help you have different points of view. The fifth feature is a rebuttal, in which writers emphasize the strengths of their arguments while acknowledging the counterarguments. The sixth characteristic, in turn, is a summary of an ethics paper. You will emphasize a thesis statement in this section by justifying the arguments in its favor that they present in a written document.
2. What makes an ethics paper unique from other essays?
Under the field of philosophy, you must complete a series of essays. All these essays have distinguishing features that differentiate them from other papers. Discussing an ethical topic, using an ethical concept to argue about a controversial topic, or describing an ethical dilemma are all characteristics of an ethics essay.
This type of paper should focus on expounding on ethics and morality. A descriptive essay focuses on narrating the writer’s story, whereas an informative essay concentrates on educating the audience about a topic. Other papers, such as narrative or college application essays, use first-person language, while an ethics essay employs formal, third-person language.
3. How to evaluate situations where your students need to write an ethics paper
Before writing any type of paper, students should generally consider their department’s or instructor’s instructions. These specifications can provide essential instructions, such as a discussion topic, an ethics essay outline, or a grading rubric. In this case, the latter assists students in comprehending the fundamental expectations of educational departments or tutors.
Even without the instructions, students can always determine the type of essay they must write by browsing through the grading rubric requirements. These prompts for ethics essays require students to take a position on an issue with fundamental ethical or moral implications, like a fraud. The essential components that guide students on how to write an essay on ethics by presenting an ethical argument, delving into ethical issues, or emphasizing ethical and legal implications.
4. How to understand the procedure to follow in your ethics paper using your discussion topic
When writing essays, it is always important to consider the instructions provided by departments or tutors. These instructions are essential as they guide you in discussing your college essay topics . You can also determine whether you need to write an ethics paper by following the instructions provided by your department or tutor’s topic.
This ethics topic requires you to provide ethical arguments about your discussion topic, explain the ethical issues, or state whether an issue is ethical or legal. Your main points should examine an issue from an ethical or moral point of view.
5. Understanding the meaning of the ethical issue, dilemma, and legal impacts
An ethics essay’s essential components include ethical issues, dilemmas, and legal effects. For instance, the term “ethical arguments” refers to taking a position and supporting it on a topic with ethical and moral impacts. In this case, you use ethical arguments to support your positions on a topic that raises ethical or moral concerns, like embezzlement.
The phrase “ethical dilemma” refers to a situation in which people find themselves when confronted with an issue that raises ethical or moral concerns, like bribery. You might find yourself stranded on two options, one of which has serious ethical or moral implications. The term “ethical versus legal implications” refers to a situation in which you must determine whether an issue, such as bribery, requires ethical or legal redress.
What is the structure of an ethics paper?
An ethics paper is similar to other essays as it follows a structure that emphasizes an ethics essay outline. This structure is divided into three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. As a nursing student, you must follow all the essential features mentioned above when writing your healthcare ethics essay.
You should ensure that the introduction and conclusion parts account for 10% of your total word count, while the body, or main text, accounts for 80%. Below is the format you should use when writing your essay on nursing ethics:
1. Introduction
- Sentence with a hook
- Background context for an ethical issue
- A thesis statement mentioning your main points
2. Body paragraphs
Main arguments.
- Express an argument’s viewpoint
- Provide evidence to back up your claim
- Explain how this evidence is correct in relation to your argument and evidence
- Explain why this argument is correct
Counterargument
- In your first body paragraph, you should provide a counterargument to a position
- Include points that support this counterargument, which is in opposition to the previous section’s argument
- Using an opposing viewpoint, explain how this paragraph’s counterargument and facts are accurate
- Explain why this counterargument is appropriate for your case
- Define the flaws of a counterargument
- Discuss credible points that support such weaknesses
- Write about how these weaknesses convey a counterargument that is irrelevant
- Complete with a statement explaining why a counterargument is invalid in comparison to an argument
3. Conclusion
- State your thesis
- Provide a summary of the argument, counterargument, and rebuttal
- Make a final assertion
Relevant sections to consider when writing your ethical essay
When writing your essay on medical ethics, you should ensure you properly organize your paper. You must adhere to a simple ethics essay structure to help your instructor easily read your paper. Your main objective is to present an ethical dilemma and provide sound reasoning in logical order . A quality ethics paper should have an introduction, a body section, and a conclusion.
The first paragraph of your ethics paper should include a concise overview of the topic and some background knowledge that will rationally relate to the argument. You should also outline the supporting evidence and state your thesis when writing an introduction.
2. Thesis statement
A thesis is a one-sentence overview of your main points. This sentence should summarize your main point to help your readers know immediately whether it’s worth their time. It limits the number of options available to a writer.
A well-written thesis will assist you in maintaining your focus on the discussion topic in a broad field like ethics. Make an effort to write a clear and informative thesis. Remember that each point should be directly related to the thesis statement.
3. Body paragraphs
A typical ethics essay has three body paragraphs that encompass your main ideas on the moral concern. Each body paragraph should concentrate on a different point or example. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that explains why the reader should accept a specific point.
Use this section to discuss the topic from opposing viewpoints and then refute counterarguments. Investigating an ethical issue from various perspectives and supporting facts ensures credibility and reader trust.
4. Conclusion
The conclusion of your ethical paper should summarise the thesis statement and clarify all of the points discussed in the body paragraphs. Your ideal conclusion should convey emotions rather than present new concepts. An excellent method to conclude an ethics essay is with a subjective opinion on the moral issue and how it affects you.
Final remarks
Essay writing is an important academic exercise that allows you to improve your writing skills. As a nursing student, you should focus on taking a position on an issue related to the essay on ethical dilemmas in nursing . In this case, you should develop a thesis statement that expresses your viewpoint on a moral issue, such as an ethical dilemma. You should also provide arguments in the main text to support your thesis statements.
When writing an essay on nursing ethics, it is important to follow the tips highlighted in this article. If you get stuck with your essay, you can seek online writing help. At onlinenursingpapers.com, we have competent writers to help you write an essay on virtue ethics.
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Home — Essay Samples — Philosophy — Ethics — Ethics and Its Effective Importance
Ethics and Its Effective Importance
- Categories: Ethics
About this sample
Words: 1032 |
Published: Oct 23, 2018
Words: 1032 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read
Table of contents
Ethics essay outline, introduction, understanding ethics, sources of ethics, disagreements and ambiguity in ethics, approaches to ethical problem solving, objective vs. subjective ethics, ethics essay example.
- Definition of ethics as systematic moral principles
- Importance of ethics in decision-making and its impact on individuals and society
- Brief overview of the essay's aims and topics
- Origin of the word "ethics" from the Greek word "ethos"
- Overview of the general dilemmas covered by ethics
- Role of ethics in guiding individuals in leading a good life and making ethical decisions
- The language of right and wrong in ethics
- Discussion of how ethics is derived from religions, philosophies, and cultures
- Mention of the ethical debates on topics such as abortion, human rights, and professional conduct
- Ethics as a moral map and framework for addressing complex moral issues
- Explanation of how ethics can pinpoint disagreements and clarify moral issues
- Acknowledgment that ethics doesn't always provide definitive answers
- The challenge of moral ambiguity and taking responsibility for ethical choices
- Historical perspectives on solving ethical problems, including divine guidance and philosophical reasoning
- Modern view emphasizing ethical decisions rather than fixed conclusions
- The role of philosophy in clarifying ethical issues and ethical methods
- Debate between ethical realists and ethical non-realists
- Ethical realists' belief in the discovery of objective ethical truths
- Ethical non-realists' perspective that humans invent ethical truths
- The challenge of diverse ethical codes and behaviors among humans
- Summary of key points discussed in the essay
- The existence of ethical properties in the world regardless of human opinions
- How to customize a healthy good life
- How to generalize our own
- How to choose right sucessful path.
- How to make our own right decision
- And also of course about the language of right and wrong
- Dalton, Derek 2011 “Gender Differences in Ethics Research; Importance of Controlling Social Desirability Response” Volume 103 pg 73-93. Toronto, Canada.
- Ferell, 20017 ‘'Business Ethics'’ Edition 11 Boston, USA.
- Jeanes, Emmal 2017 “Are We Ethical? Approaches to Ethics in Management and Organization” Volume 24.2017 pg. 174-197. London.
- Mulder, Laetitia 2015 “Effect of Specific and General Rules on Ethical Decisions” Vol. 126.2015 pg. 115-129. Amsterdam.
- Razaha Juhaida Johari 2017 “Ethical Issues and their Relevence of Auditions” Vol 5.2017 pg 205-214. London.
- Velasquez, Manual 1996 “Why Ethics Matters a Defence of Ethics in Business Organization” Vol. 6 1996 pg. 201-227. Chicago, Illinois, USA.
- Wild, Nigel 2011 “Ethical Strategies for Organization” Vol. 16.2011 pg 110-127 Bingley.
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Mar 3, 2023 · An ethics essay is a type of academic writing that explores ethical issues and dilemmas. Students should evaluates them in terms of moral principles and values. The purpose of an ethics essay is to examine the moral implications of a particular issue, and provide a reasoned argument in support of an ethical perspective.
Aug 4, 2024 · When writing an ethics paper or essay, students focus on taking a stand on an issue with ethical or moral implications. In this case, writers create a thesis statement that expresses their perspective on a moral issue, which can be an ethical dilemma. In the main text, authors provide arguments that defend their thesis statements. Hence, when ...
May 16, 2023 · Writing an ethics paper can present some unique challenges. For the most part, the paper will be written like any other essay or research paper, but there are some key differences. An ethics paper will generally require you to argue for a specific position rather than simply present an overview of an issue.
Writing an essay on ethics allows individuals to critically analyze ethical issues, engage in ethical reasoning, and develop a deeper understanding of moral principles. It prompts thoughtful reflection on the consequences of actions, the moral responsibilities we hold, and the ethical implications of our choices.
Nov 12, 2021 · Ethics Essay Purpose. The main objective of an ethics essay is to articulate a compelling argument concerning a particular stance on a moral concern. Typically, this type of essay necessitates a discussion rather than a mere summary of an ethical quandary.
Aug 17, 2021 · Also, writing an ethics paper implies that a student should process a great amount of information regarding their topic and analyze it according to paper terms. General Aspects of Writing an Ethics Paper Understanding the Ethical Papers’ Features. Every essay has differences and features that make it unique.
How To Write an Essay About Ethics Understanding Ethics. Before writing an essay about ethics, it is essential to understand what ethics entails. Ethics, often referred to as moral philosophy, involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior.
Nov 4, 2024 · Also, you will find a list of ideas that you can use for your writing, or get help via our essay writing app. Feel free to check out our essay title generator and AI checker essay tool to come up with a polished and original paper. How to write an ethics paper in 5 easy steps. Step 1. Pick a topic connected to ethics
Writing an essay on ethics requires more than just an interesting topic. You must have a vast knowledge of the topic and excellent writing skills. Using relevant content will help you write a quality essay on ethical dilemmas. Your paper must also have an organized structure that includes all necessary elements to articulate your ideas clearly. This article will shed more light on the elements ...
Oct 23, 2018 · Importance of ethics in decision-making and its impact on individuals and society; Brief overview of the essay's aims and topics; Understanding Ethics. Origin of the word "ethics" from the Greek word "ethos" Overview of the general dilemmas covered by ethics; Role of ethics in guiding individuals in leading a good life and making ethical decisions