Introduction Kant's famous First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative reads, "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." Kant taught morality as a matter of following maxims of living that reflect absolute laws. "Universal" is a term that allows for no exceptions, and what is universal applies always and everywhere. Don't forget about the second formulation of the categorical imperative which states, "Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of another, always at the same time as an end and never simply as a means." It is just as important. Initial Post Instructions For the initial post, address one of the following sets of questions: What are the personal and/or communal ethical factors that may be involved in determining the moral position of either side given a contemporary debate, such as those concerning animal rights, stem cell research, abortion, the death penalty, and so forth? Elaborate in detail the ethical positions arrived at by using the Kantian categorical imperative relative to the long standing debate surrounding the death penalty or abortion. Argue the ethics from the point of view of the prisoner or from the fetus Evaluate the ethical positions in part two. You will want to detail whether they are convincing, logical, correct, consistent, etc.

Define the term attitudes, explain why they are of interest to social psychologists, and distinguish between implicit and explicit attitudes Attitudes develop through many different forms. Explain the process of classical conditioning and give an example of how this type of learning might influence attitude formation. Include a description for each of the five significant elements that enable this type of learning to occur Attitudes develop through many different forms. Explain the process of instrumental/operant conditioning and give an example of how this type of learning might influence attitude formation. Include a description for each of the four types of consequences that enable this type of learning to occur Attitudes develop through many different forms. Explain the process of observational learning and give an example of how this type of learning might influence attitude formation. Explain how social comparison might affect this type of learning Define the term persuasion and explain how attitudes change through the use of various kinds of messages Discuss several variables that are likely to influence the communicators, messages and audiences through the process of persuasion. Which do you think is most beneficial and why? Support your response Identify and describe each of the techniques of persuasion. Which do you think would be the most successful technique and why? Support your response Explain each of the following ways that we might resist persuasion: reactance; forewarning; selective avoidance; selective exposure; self-regulation Define the term cognitive dissonance and explain why researchers have described it as an unpleasant state. Discuss the strategies for resolving dissonance and how our behaviors can change for the better