Title: Ethical Analysis, Nudge-Based Solutions, and the Materials’ Economy
In the video “The Story of Stuff” presented in our class, the materials’ economy was divided into five distinct phases. Your task is to choose one of these phases and delve into an unexplored ethical (environmental or social) problem within it. Your selected issue should not have been covered in the video.
Your paper should address the following points:
Identification of the Ethical Problem:Explain the chosen ethical problem within the selected phase of the materials’ economy. Detail why it is an ethical concern.
Ethical Frameworks: Utilize three different ethical frameworks discussed in class to analyze the problem:
Virtue Ethics (Aristotle): Consider how the issue relates to virtues, character traits, and values: (2 sections per part: one you describe the theory, the other one you apply the theory to the actual problem)
Non-consequential Ethics (Kant): Analyze the problem in terms of moral duties and principles.
Consequential Ethics (Utilitarianism): Evaluate the issue based on its overall consequences and utility.
Nudge Theory and Solutions: While we will discuss Nudge theory in two weeks, propose a nudge-based solution to change people’s behavior regarding the identified issue. Provide an outline or initial concept for this nudge.
Research Support: Utilize a minimum of two academic external resources (academic articles or books we have not seen in class) from sources like Google Scholar to support your argument and analysis.
Paper Structure: Ensure your paper meets the following structural requirements:
Title: Make it relevant and interesting
Abstract: it is just a summary of your whole paper (50-100 words)
Introduction: contextualize the problem. phase, the example… also write why it is wrong. (300 words)
Main Argument: 3 ethical accounts, the solutions, anything else. (ethical: 400-500 words / solution 400 words)
Conclusion: summary and future research. Limitations with your research. (200 words)
References (no more than 100 words)
Citation Format: Use your preferred citation format, such as MLA or APA, for all citations and references.