INSTRUCTIONS: The point of this exercise is to learn some techniques that moral philosophers use to analyze ethical problems, theories, and arguments. We will use as a start a case presented in a video about Trokosi. If you missed the class and did not watch the video, or if you need any additional information, you may find many additional details on the world wide web. Please, do the web search under "Trokosi". Write a short position paper (about 4-5 typewritten pages, font pp. 12 or smaller, standard margins) in which you discuss the case of Trokosi-slaves in relation to the issue of Classical Ethical Relativism (CER) Start by reviewing main tenets of relativism by reading Rachels, You can find additional information in Shaw (a section on relativism is towards the bottom), Sumner, the lecture outline on Cultural Relativism, my handout, etc. .

There are many problems with CER  and so there are many ways in which one can challenge CER (see my outline and the outline for the lectures). You can use any of them (or you can defend CER if you want to). Here is one possible way in which one could argue against CER:

(1) If CER is true, then the enslavement of Trokosi (e.g., in Ghana and Benin) is morally permissible (is morally right).
(2)  The enslavement of Trokosi is morally wrong (it is not morally right).
(3) Therefore, CER is false. [from 1 and 2]

The argument is valid; that is, its conclusion follows from the premises. In other words, if premises are true, then the conclusion is also true. So, our job is to provide support for each premise of this argument (i.e., to show that it is in fact true or, at least, well justified).

Notice that premise (1) does not state that the enslavement of Trokosi is morally right. Rather, it makes the conditional claim about the implications of CR. Is this premise true or false? To answer this question explain briefly what Classical Ethical Relativism is. What does CER imply for a tribal society we watched. Explain why by elucidating customs of the societies that allow for the enslavement of Trokosi If you are not sure, please read assigned readings again.

Premise (2)  is the crucial moral claim. Here you will have to state and explain your own moral views about the practice at stake. That is, what do you really think about the enslavement of Trokosi? In your opinion, is it morally right or wrong? Why or why not? For example, imagine that you can have a conversation with the open minded members of cultures that allow for slavery. Would you argue that what they are doing is all right, from a moral point of view? Or, would you argue that they ought to change their ways and abolish slavery?  Would society without slavery function better? Would it count as progress to abandon slavery?

Try to justify your claim? That is, describe the most important ethical features of the situation. What about this case is morally relevant?  For example, if you think it is relevant, describe various ways in which women in this case are harmed. (Please, take notes why watching video.) Are there any reasons that can be used to justify imposing those those harms on people?  How convincing are those reasons? Also, explain how their autonomy (freedom) is violated, etc.

Feel free to incorporate into your answer other considerations discussed by Harris, Shaw and other readings. For example, consider implications of the "reformer's dilemma,"  "progress argument," "learning argument," etc. for the case of Trokosi. In your opinion, would it be all right to try to convince those tribal societies to change their ways. Why or why not? Explain.

No cover pages, please! Let us save the forest.
Due, _______________. Be sure to keep a copy of this assignment for yourself.

This assignment is posted here:  http://falcon.tamucc.edu/~sencerz/exer-trokosi_CER.htm

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