Discussion Prompt

In the movie Before I Fall, was Sam’s ultimate decision to sacrifice her own life to save Juliet’s life morally right, morally wrong, morally permissible, or supererogatory? Defend your answer.

• TIP: Assume that one of the normative theories of ethics we have already discussed is true (e.g., act utilitarianism). State which normative theory of ethics you are assuming is true, and then go on to address the discussion prompt, given that assumption.

Discussion Instructions

1. If you haven’t already, watch the movies Before I Fall for free through IMDB. (See the first module of the semester for details on how to access the movie for free).

2. Post a thoughtful, well-written response to the discussion prompt above. Your response should be one well-developed paragraph (approximately 6-10 sentences), which is written in your own words, and that accurately, concisely, clearly, and coherently responds to the discussion prompt above. Use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Construct your paragraph based on the following 4-step process:

• Express the idea(s) that the paragraph will cover in a topic sentence.
• Explain the idea(s).
• Use an example or examples.
• Explain why the example(s) relate(s) to the idea(s).

In order to see other students’ posts, you must first submit your response to the discussion prompt above.

3. Search through your classmates’ responses to the discussion prompt above. Find one of your fellow classmates’ responses for which you have some constructive criticism. The constructive criticism your fellow classmate receives from you should be one well-developed paragraph (approximately 4-6 sentences). Make certain that you offer substantial constructive criticism to your fellow classmate that will help them see how their response could have been better. Saying “good job” and summarizing what a classmate has already written does not meet the discussion board qualifications for substantial constructive criticism. Instead, the constructive criticism you offer will be substantial when it is based on one or more of the following six criteria:

A. The response lacks accuracy.

B. The response should be more concise.

C. The response lacks clarity of reasoning.

D. The response lacks coherence.

E. The response does not display college-level grammar or mechanics (i.e., spelling, punctuation, or capitalization).

F. The response did not follow the instructions.

Do not be afraid to speak your mind, but remember to be courteous and respectful, and to follow the principle of charity, which requires interpreting a speaker’s statements in the most rational way possible. If you believe that none of your fellow classmates’ answers need improvement, in any of the six ways above, then you do not need to reply. However, this has never been the case, so, please don’t jump to this conclusion lightly.

Grading

Structure and Style

Although you won’t earn points for responses that exhibit proper structure and style, you can lose points if your posts do not:

• Use college-level grammar and mechanics (i.e., spelling, punctuation, and capitalization).
• Write to your audience (i.e., a college professor) using formal prose.
• Treat opponents and opposing views fairly.
• Use logic, reasons, or facts rather than emotional appeals.
• Avoid making exaggerated claims.
• Avoid using discriminatory language.