Create A Code

Moral Code Project

In this project you have the opportunity to do what humankind has not had the opportunity to do, start a society from scratch. As you develop this society, your goal is to create a workable code of ethics by which the inhabitants of your society may live in peace and harmony. The following is a breakdown of the various aspects of this code which must be included in order for you to receive full credit:

  1. The Society

First, describe the society. It may be set in reality or fantasy, in the past, present, or future. Be sure to discuss the size of your society in terms of population, its location, time period, and ethnic make up. Is it a post-apocalyptic society? An isolationist one? Or is it an attempt at utopia? (1 paragraph)

  1. Organized Religion

What will be your society’s position on this? Will there be one religion that all worship? Will you allow religious freedom? If so, how far will you go to allow worshippers their freedom? Human or animal sacrifice? (1 paragraph)

  1. Ethical Philosophy

What will be the underlying philosophy which drives your code? Will it be a universal set of rules that all must follow? Will it be relative to time and place? Will it be more utilitarian in nature? Please describe the philosophy and your rationale for choosing it. (1 to 2 paragraphs)

  1. Human Rights

What will be the fundamental rights guaranteed and protected in your society? Please make a list of such rights. Unlike our own Bill of Rights, you might briefly explain for each right just exactly what is protected. (List of 5 to 10 basic rights)

  1. Punishment

Now that you are in the business of protecting rights, you need a system to deal with those who violate the rights of others. In many societies, this is known as crime. First, describe the basic philosophy of punishment your society will incorporate. (Retributive, Restitutional, etc.) Why have you chosen this? Next, describe in what ways punishment will be meted out. Will there be a court system? Run by whom? Will you have prisons, capital punishment, expulsion or exile? Will you give second chances? Seek to rehabilitate the offenders? (This section will require 2 or 3 paragraphs)

 

  1. Government

What type of government will your society have? Will it be an autocracy? A democracy? A republic? Upon which basic principles will it rest…. Individualism? Communism? Benevolence? What will the structure of this government be? A republic? Pure democracy? Monarchy? (Again, you will probably need 2 paragraphs for this section)

  1. Duties

Finally, discuss the duties of the government to the members of society. Will the government be expected to provide for the social or economic welfare of the people? Their protection? Next, what are the duties of the citizens to the government? Taxes? Military service? (This can either be in the form of lists, with rationales provided for each duty, or in a paragraph or two)

  1. Conclusion

Finally, evaluate your society. What do you feel are the strengths of your code? The weaknesses of it? How likely is it such a code could ever actually exist? (1 paragraph)

 

This assignment should be word processed and saved to your electronic locker. If you are unable to do so at home, class time will be provided for you to type your handwritten code.

 

The finished product is due: TBA