Summarize the plot, focusing on the ethical problem that you’ve found the characters to be wrestling with

From sitcoms to scifi, a central element of many plot lines revolves around one or more of the main characters encountering an ethical conundrum. From “the little lie that got big” to the “encountering alien species with different core morals,” we seem to enjoy watching others struggle with moral choices.

You assignment is to pick a TV show or movie in which the main characters encounter and wrestle with a moral problem. Watch the show, and then write a short paper (1-2 pages) following these guidelines:

Start with some summary information (1-2 sentences):
The name of the show
The episode and season
A link to it (an IMDB link is fine)

“I watched ____, Season _, episode _ (http://…)”

Summarize the plot, focusing on the ethical problem that you’ve found the characters to be wrestling with (1-2 paragraphs).

“In this episode, the character ___ ran into a problem….”

Describe how the characters analyzed and then responded to the moral situation (2+ paragraphs).

“At first, ___ tried…. but as the episode developed, she….”

Now pick a perspective. You can be either a deontologist (Kant) or a utilitarian (Mill) — or if you’re really daring you can skip ahead and use Aristotle or Social Contract. Evaluate the character’s decision according to your chosen perspective (2+ paragraphs).

“Kant suggests that the most important aspect of ethics is… Kant would have agreed/disagreed with the character because….”

Suggestions:
As tempting as sitcoms are, the ethical problems in them are usually lame. If you pick a sitcom, make sure it’s one that raises an interesting question.
Pick something you enjoy.
I suggest 1-2 pages. I don’t grade based on page count, but it’s not really possible to hit the depth I’m after in less than one page.
Grading:
Did you give basic information about the show?
Did you identify an interesting moral problem?
Did you explain how the characters solved it?
Did you demonstrate understanding of the perspective you used to critique the moral issue?
Was your essay interesting and written well?