Description: The aim of this task is to define the common
good in relation to this topic. The common good is what is best for all, as
opposed to the particular goods that each stakeholder may pursue. Your response
should analyse the various perspectives and critique these using relevant
principles of human flourishing, in order to show how the common good might be
achieved. Choose one of the two Hot Topics and three of the perspectives
represented by the major stakeholders in the issue.
Structure your essay according to the following framework
(word count is given as a guide only):
• Briefly describe the issue and explain how this is an
issue which affects the common good. (200 words) (criterion 1) (INTRODUCTION)
• Describe and explain the perspectives of three
stakeholders. Include a discussion of the main arguments they put forward and
the resolution/s they would opt for. (700 words) (criterion 2)
• Choose three principles of human flourishing that are
relevant to this issue. Use these principles to analyse each perspective you
described above and discuss the ways in which the perspectives of these
stakeholders support or hinder the common good. (800 words). (criterion 3)
• How might the common good be achieved in relation to this
issue? Suggest a specific course of action and explain how this would best
serve the common good. Include a proposal for what each stakeholder could do
and what society as a whole could do to promote the achievement of the common
good in relation to this issue. (300 words) (criterion 4) (CONCLUSION)
Choose one hot topic from those
presented…………………………………………………………………..
Structure
(from above list) Meeting the criteria Example
Dot point 1: Describe the issue (100 words).
Explain why this is an issue which affects the common good
(100 words).
This dot point relates to Criterion 1: Description and
explanation of the issue as one which affects the common good. (10%)
You need to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of
the issue, and show how the issue applies to discussions about the common good.
The issue of ……………. is of great relevance to the common good because….. (Define
the Common Good, and state how this issue is linked to or affects the common
good).
Some relevant points around the issue of …………….. today are….
Important skills:
Define
Describe
Explain
Create links
• Show you understand the issue or topic
(background/overview) and the terms or concepts around the issue.
• Introduce factors relevant to the ‘hot topic’ you are
discussing.
• Link this to your knowledge of the common good and
identify and explain why and how this issue impacts the common good.
Dot point 2:
Describe and explain the perspectives of three stakeholders.
What arguments would they put forward? What resolution would
they opt for? Who wins and who loses under each possible resolution?
(700 words)
This dot point relates to Criterion 2: Description and
explanation of three stakeholders’ perspectives in relation to the issue. (30%)
You need to demonstrate that you understand the
stakeholders’ perspectives and can think critically about these. From the
perspective of stakeholder x (eg. the
Government), the following are key issues…..
Clearly, from the point of view of x (eg. businesses), data
suggest that ……
X stakeholder may not wish the situation to change
because…..
NOTE: it will not get you marks to just state the
stakeholders. You have to use the relevant detail from the source material to
analyse their perspective on the topic.
Some useful terms:
.. data suggests
.. data states
.. in the case of
.. it can be seen that .. evidence points to
.. as is the case in the example
Important skills:
Describe
Explain
Synthesise
Analyse
Critique
• Look at the stakeholders presented in the ‘hot topic’ and
choose three that best demonstrate the variety of perspectives on the issue.
• For each stakeholder, draw together (synthesise) all of
the information presented in the ‘hot topic’ document and clearly explain their
position.
• Think about how each stakeholder has arrived at their
perspective and why.
• What do each of these stakeholders think should happen
with regards to the issue?
• Does their resolution help them? How?
• Does their resolution impact other stakeholders and, if
so, how?
With thanks to Anita Winkeler Copyright © Australian
Catholic University 2013; updated 2015
Be specific about the stakeholder you are discussing. Use
the information and links provided in the ‘Hot Topic’ to show you can
synthesise the information and that you understand the question and concepts.
of (x)
.. from the perspective of (x) .. clearly from the point of
view of (x)
Dot point 3:
Identify three relevant principles of human flourishing and
apply them to the perspectives you have discussed. (800 words).
This dot point relates to Criterion 3: Critical analysis of
the perspectives in relation to the principles of human flourishing and the
achievement of the common good. (30%)
You need to show an understanding of cause and effect in
relation to your chosen ‘hot topic’: the consequences of each perspective and
possible resolutions, in relation to human flourishing and the common good. The
issue of ……………… for X is directly linked to the common good because of …. and
its relationship to human flourishing through….
As a consequence of introducing X’s initiatives Y would be
affected by……. which affects/goes against/promotes Z principle of human
flourishing by…… This means that….
Some useful terms:
.. as a consequence
.. this would result in (or lead to)
.. the effect of this is
.. this means that
.. (X) would be a result
Important skills:
Apply
Analyse
Critique
• Choose three principles of human flourishing that are
relevant to, or are affected by the three stakeholder perspectives you
discussed above.
• Use the three chosen principles to analyse the
perspectives.
• Do the resolutions proposed uphold the chosen principles
of human flourishing or are these principles ignored in these resolutions?
• To what extent does each resolution help to promote the
common good?
• To what extent does each resolution pose a problem for the
achievement for the common good?
• Be sure to explain your answers thoroughly.
Dot point 4: How might the common good best be served? Who
would need to do what in order to promote the common good?
(300 words)
This dot point relates to Criterion 4: Critical reflection
on how the common good may best be served. (20%)
You need show that you can evaluate, judge and make
recommendations in light of your analysis. Following X’s suggestions would have
a significant impact on all stakeholders. In the short term this would affect
x, y and z. In the long term it will lead to
……... It would depend on
Thus, the best possible solution to meet the common good would
be ……
Some useful terms:
... in the long run
... in the short term
... it depends on
… use scope terms (eg small, insignificant, large, vast,
etc)
Important skills:
Assess
Evaluate
Recommend
Justify
• You need to be specific here: what course of action should
be taken in order to achieve the common good in relation to the issue?
• Identify very specific actions which may need to be taken
by each stakeholder.
• Will some stakeholders need to moderate their
views/actions for the good of all? If so, how?
• Justify why this is the action/option/choice you would opt
for.
Criterion 5 Criterion 5: Written and/or oral English
expression including spelling, punctuation and grammar. (5%) Use
well-structured paragraphs for each point.
Be sure to spell terms correctly, using commas etc. Use
specialist terms appropriately etc.
Things to check:
• Text is legible
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate so that
meaning is clear
• Select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to
purpose and to complex subject matter
• Organise information clearly and coherently, using
specialist vocabulary when appropriate.
Criterion 6 Criterion 6: Consistent and correct use of
selected academic referencing style. (5%) The reader should be able to locate
the source of any direct quote or paraphrase.
Things to check:
• All paraphrases and direct quotes are referenced fully and
correctly.
• All material from the hot topic itself is referenced fully
and correctly.
• The style you are using has been identified in the header
or footer.
• A complete bibliography or reference list is attached.
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