This document provides instructions for Assignment 2 which asks students to write an 8-10 page research paper analyzing a current social issue relevant to their community from multiple perspectives. Students are asked to identify the social issue, present at least two points of view on the issue from news articles, explain how the issue relates to their community and the religious and social norms that inform different views. They also must explain how a relevant ethical theory and political theory would approach analyzing the issue and reaching a conclusion, supported by course texts and other approved sources.

1. Assignment 2: Decision-making and Philosophy Part II:
Philosophy and the Community
Whereas Part I focused on how you as an individual are
impacted by a particular decision, Part II focuses on the
individual as a member of a community. Thus, you will write an
eight- to ten-page research paper based upon a current
event/pressing social issue that is relevant to your community.
You should address the following points in your analysis:
Identify a social issue
Identify news articles that present at least two different points-
of-view on the issue
Explain why the issue is relevant to your community
Explain the nature of religious belief and identify the social
norms and religious values/beliefs that inform the various
perspectives on the issue
Explain a relevant ethical theory
Explain a relevant political theory
Analyze how the chosen theories might approach the issue,
including the relevant considerations and the ultimate
conclusion reached. You will be expected to explain the
relevant theories with support from the course texts (with
particular emphasis placed on the primary texts) and from pre-
approved secondary sources (including, but not limited to, the
course text, online lectures, and a list of suggested online
resources).