Moral Dilemmas Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a moral dilemma?

  • The decision-maker is obligated to perform a specific action, but tempted to do otherwise. (correct)
  • The decision-maker can perform both actions.
  • The decision-maker is required to perform two morally unacceptable actions.
  • The decision-maker cannot perform both actions at the same time.

Which of the following scenarios would most likely be considered a moral dilemma?

  • Deciding whether to help a stranger in need.
  • Deciding whether to lie to a friend to protect their feelings. (correct)
  • Choosing between two job offers, one with better pay and the other with more flexible hours.
  • Choosing between buying a new car or going on vacation.

What is the difference between a moral dilemma and a false dilemma?

  • A moral dilemma is a theoretical concept, while a false dilemma is a real-life problem.
  • A moral dilemma is a problem that requires a decision, while a false dilemma doesn't.
  • A moral dilemma involves a difficult choice, while a false dilemma is a simple choice.
  • A moral dilemma involves a conflict between two moral imperatives, while a false dilemma involves a conflict between a right and a wrong choice. (correct)

In the cave scenario, what makes the decision to use the dynamite a moral dilemma?

<p>Using the dynamite is the only way to save the group, but would result in the death of the pregnant woman. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea the author is communicating through the cave scenario?

<p>The moral complexities that arise when facing difficult choices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which dilemma presented in the content involves a conflict between the needs of an individual and a societal obligation?

<p>The dilemma of Heinz, who must decide between stealing a life-saving drug and following the law. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the dilemmas presented, what is the primary focus of 'structural dilemma'?

<p>Conflicts that stem from the inherent structure and limitations of an organization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary moral principle addressed in the dilemma of Heinz?

<p>The principle of utilitarianism, where actions are judged by their consequences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the content provided, what is the primary function of the 'state of emergency' concept in addressing moral dilemmas?

<p>To suggest that standard moral principles might be suspended in extreme circumstances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between an 'individual dilemma' and an 'organizational dilemma' in the content provided?

<p>Individual dilemmas are rooted in personal needs, while organizational dilemmas are rooted in the structure of an organization. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central dilemma in Heinz's situation?

<p>Heinz's need to save his wife and his limited financial resources (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core of the moral dilemma facing the Catholic School?

<p>Balancing financial needs with the school's mission to serve the poor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of moral conflict does the principal's dilemma illustrate?

<p>Organizational dilemma (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the importance of parent and community participation in school affairs?

<p>It is a fundamental principle of ethical school leadership. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a common factor in the three dilemmas presented?

<p>A personal moral struggle. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Kohlberg's dilemma differ from the other two dilemmas presented?

<p>It explores the concept of individual responsibility. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of these statements best describes the dilemma faced by the chemist?

<p>He must decide between his desire to help people and his need to make a profit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is NOT explicitly mentioned in the text as a reason for the Catholic School's dilemma?

<p>The desire to expand the school's reach to serve more students. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of the principal's decision to not encourage parental involvement in school affairs?

<p>A disconnect between the school and the community. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options best describes the type of dilemma presented in the text?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Moral Dilemma

A situation where a choice must be made between conflicting moral principles.

Principle of Lesser Evil

Choosing the option that causes the least harm among available alternatives.

Greater Good

Making a decision based on what benefits the majority of people.

Individual Dilemma

A moral conflict faced by a single person based on personal circumstances.

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Organizational Dilemma

A moral conflict involving a group or organization with conflicting responsibilities.

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Ethical Dilemma

A decision-making problem with two moral imperatives, neither preferable or acceptable.

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Key Characteristics of Moral Dilemmas

Moral dilemmas involve actions that are both morally unacceptable, yet the decision-maker must choose one.

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False Dilemma

A situation where one has a moral duty to do one thing but feels pressured to do another.

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Tension in Moral Values

Moral dilemmas create tension between equal moral values or duties, leading to difficult decisions.

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Heinz Dilemma

A moral dilemma illustrating individual conflict between saving a loved one and obeying the law.

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Moral Conflict

A situation where a person faces opposing moral values or principles.

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Community Participation

Involvement of parents and the community in school decision-making processes.

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Catholic School A Mission

Aimed at serving the poor by providing quality education while balancing finances.

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Chemist's Decision

The chemist's choice to price the drug high despite its critical need by Heinz.

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Heinz's Financial Limit

Heinz could only raise half the money needed for the drug.

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Consequences of Theft

The ethical implications of Heinz stealing the drug to save his wife.

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Kohlberg's Question

Should Heinz have stolen the drug? A moral question analyzing ethics.

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Tension in Moral Choices

The emotional struggle when faced with profound moral decisions.

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Study Notes

Moral Dilemmas

  • A moral dilemma is a decision-making problem between two possible moral imperatives, neither of which is unambiguously acceptable or preferable.
  • A moral dilemma is a situation where a person has the moral obligation to choose between two options both based on moral standards, but the person cannot choose both. Choosing one option means violating the other.
  • Moral dilemmas are sometimes called ethical dilemmas.
  • A false dilemma is a situation where the decision-maker has a moral duty to do one thing, but is tempted or pressured to do something else. It's a choice between right and wrong.
  • Dilemmas can be categorized as individual, organizational, or structural.

Types of Moral Dilemmas

  • Individual Dilemmas: These are personal dilemmas, where an individual is torn between two important values or duties. An example is between one's family duty and one's love for another person.
  • Organizational Dilemmas: These arise in institutions or organizations. Conflicts may include balancing organizational benefits with individual members' welfare or between personal interests and organizational welfare.
  • Structural Dilemmas: These affect broader networks of institutions, laws, and theoretical paradigms, such as universal care, juvenile laws, and immigration.

Resolving Moral Dilemmas

  • One approach to resolving dilemmas is to broaden options to reveal that the dilemma may not be as severe or may entirely not exist.
  • The "greater good vs. lesser evil" approach—or situation ethics— suggests that the choice to do what you can at the situation rather than resorting to extraordinary measures.

Additional Points

  • Moral dilemmas often involve choosing between two morally unacceptable actions.
  • Moral dilemmas are conflict in applying moral standards – especially in emergency situations where moral law might be set aside..

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Lesson 2_Moral Dilemmas PDF

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