A discussion on a study, conducted over the telephone consisting of a 20-minute interview with five participants on the ways in which men and women arrive at decisions about what is morally right and wrong.
Abstract The following paper examines a study of moraldilemmas which attempted to use in-depth critical thinking to assess the moral decisions of five individuals. In the study scenario, morality has a price and the individuals were given a choice between what they wanted to do and what they wanted or desired. Neither decision was desirable and a person's values and ethics determined their choice. The writer argues that there is no right or wrong answer and none of the participants had a better answer than the others.
From the Paper "A moral dilemma involves a situation that gives a person two possible courses of action, each requiring a morally impermissible action. Plato presented a classic example of a moral dilemma in his teachings. A man borrowed a weapon from his neighbor and gave him a promise that he would return it. The neighbor returns to him shortly after to claim the weapon but is in a fit of rage. He wants the weapon back so that he can kill someone. This creates a moral dilemma for the borrower. If he keeps his promise and returns the weapon, he will be an accessory to murder. If he refuses to return the weapon, he has broken his promise. "
Abstract This paper discusses the moraldilemma I once faced in experimenting with cocaine. The paper discusses what the utilitarian, categorical imperative, and virtue ethics positions would have instructed me to do. The utilitarian position would give me a green light, since it values individual freedom. The imperative would say no, since there are higher moral laws. The virtue ethics position would also say no, since doing the virtuous thing is the priority. 9 pgs. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Abstract This is a paper on the moraldilemma faced by Captain Vere is Melville's "Billy Budd". The author examines the events and the plot in the novel as well as the major themes and focuses on one of the main characters in the novel, Captain Vere and the moraldilemma he faces when Claggart arrives and the captain has to decide whether Claggart is lying.
From the Paper "Melville in Billy Budd introduces his characters through an introductory sketch after which they enter into the narrative. These descriptive sketches provide the necessary background for each character and prepare the reader for the part each is to play in the narrative. The characters are further developed by means of words or phrases, which are repeatedly used to describe them, or by means of characteristic phrases, which they repeatedly utter. For example, Captain Vere by his nickname of "Starry" Vere. Then the characters are described through repeated references to their appearance. The 'aristocratic' Captain Vere is a reflection of the real character. (Mumford, 1929)."
Abstract The writer explains that moral stage theory describes the cognitive and moral development of humans and that it consists of three main levels, each divided into two stages. The paper explains each of the six stages of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory. The paper discusses the objections from Duke University philosopher, Owen Flanagan, regarding the manner in which data is collected to support Kohlberg's theory. The paper explains that Flanagan's main argument against the theory is his disagreement with Kohlberg's conclusion that morality and moral development are unified in nature. In conclusion, the writer expresses Flanagan's opinion that in most cases humans do not use a single unified position when considering matters of morality, but that humans rely on a wide variety of reasoning tools to help negotiate moraldilemmas.
From the Paper "The Moral Stage Theory of social psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg describes the cognitive and moral development of humans as consisting of three main levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Within each level there are two distinct stages. According to Kohlberg's theory, the development of morality in humans is closely related to our cognitive development. This development begins with absolute self-interest, and progresses toward a final deontological stage in which rational individuals are compelled by reason to accept their duty to preserve the fundamental rights of others."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the philosophy of a moraldilemma. This paper discusses the sad scenario of the unfaithful wife known as "Jane" who finds herself faced with two equally unpleasant choices that are the consequences of her infidelity. The paper reviews and discusses these choices from different moral and philosophical perspectives.
From the Paper "The advocate of social contract theory would stress that marriage is a social contract. When Jane violated this social contract, she did not merely personally cause her husband to feel bad. She also caused a rift in one of the institutions that uphold modern society. Even if no one is directly harmed by her actions, by devaluing the institution of marriage, either her own or the institution of the man whom she transgressed with, she is still doing harm to society. A social contract theorist would care little about Jane, her husband's, or the other man's feelings like a virtue ethicist. Rather the theorist would view Jane's decisions from a societal rubric, and point out that if every person felt free to be unfaithful, the moral fabric of society would completely disintegrate. "
Abstract This paper examines the conflict a soldier faces between following orders and following morality; military code and personal responsibility for one's actions. The author discussed the Nuremberg trials, the Geneva Convention, and the My Lai massacre.
From the Paper:
"The most obvious party responsible for what the military does is the military itself. The people who actually carry out the violence of war and those who give the direct order to do so are most clearly responsible for the results. They bear the brunt of the physical evidence that war leaves behind. Members of the armed forces are also the most at risk to face the consequences of the violence they cause because of the conflicting beliefs they are asked to hold. The concepts of personal responsibility and superior orders constitute a type of ethical doublespeak that creates a moraldilemma for military personnel."
Tags: convention, geneva, lai, massacre, morality, nuremburg, soldier, trials, war
Abstract This paper examines Socrates' and Kant's philosophies regarding morality and looks at how the fundamental difference in the definition between the two is that Kant's moral failure is an independent act to a moral right by virtue of the lack of impact of consequences while Socrates' main model of immorality is based on injustice resulting from the action. It discusses, therefore, how the dilemma of immorality in the former is an ethical one and immorality in the latter is presented as a social dilemma.
Outline:
Socrates
Socrates on Morality Kant on Socrates
Socrates, Kant and Morality
From the Paper "Kant's Moral philosophy is one of the main alternatives to utilitarianism which marginalizes moral humanistic virtues. Kant's view on morality is essentially deontological which implies a focus on the action to be done regardless of the consequences ("Kant: The Moral", 2001). This implies that if a person is doing something that is right, then even if the results of his actions create a negative outcome, then he still did the right thing. There is also a prescriptive quality to Kant's view: the assumption is that everyone should do what is right and that it should be universally right (Wood, 2004). Thus, for an action to be considered moral, it should be within the capacity of everyone and viewed as a correct action universally ("Kant's Moral Philosophy", 2007). Viewing Socrates' action through Kant's Moral Philosophy, there are arguments both to support the morality of Socrates actions."
Abstract The paper discusses codes of ethics in business and states that a firm must develop a code of ethics with seriousness of intent that reflects the organization's real values. The paper also states that the employees must be given leverage so they can act on those values when faced with ethical dilemmas and that the code must be communicated effectively. The paper then discusses these issues and ethical dilemmas.
From the Paper "However there are many big organizations that have fumbled massively despite a code of ethics. Enron is a good example. It had been manipulating audit reports for some time to show profits when it was making none and thus making its stakeholders wrongly believe that the company was profitable. Do you assume they never had a code of ethics? By all means they did. And it was one hefty document that delineated rules of honesty and integrity- "We work with customers and prospects openly, honestly and sincerely. When we say we will do something, we will do it"(Miller, 2002)-Heavy words indeed for a firm that cheated millions and created history in business fraud."
A discussion of the ethics involved in aiding the poor at the expense of others, with reference to Garrett Hardin's essay entitled "Lifeboat Ethics: The Case of the Poor".
Abstract This paper analyzes Hardin's essay "Lifeboat Ethics: The Case of the Poor". The paper illustrates the example brought by Hardin, comparing the earth to a small lifeboat with minimal space and many people drowning. It explains the moraldilemma caused: by attempting to save lots of people, everyone will perish, and by deciding to save a few -arises an ethical dilemma of who to save and who to leave to drown. The paper describes Hardin's analysis of this hypothesis to the issues involved in American aid to poor countries.
From the Paper "In his essay entitled "Lifeboat Ethics: The Case of the Poor," Garrett Hardin argues against helping the poor. In his argument, he makes a reference to the metaphor of the earth being a spaceship. Under this analogy, used by idealists and those who seek to extend resources to all, everyone would have an inert duty to protect the earth's resources. Therefore, if everyone protected the earth's resources, they would also have a right to equally share the earth's resources. However, Hardin argues that perhaps it is too idealistic to suggest that the rich and poor alike should be able to equally share resources. He argues that it is not possible for a wealthy country like the United States to help the poor and still provide for its own people. If the earth were a spaceship, he argues, there would be one captain in charge (Hardin). Clearly there is no single entity powerful enough to dole out resources equally to all in the world."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that Immanuel Kant's theory of ethics is grounded in deontological principles. In such theories, rules are of utmost significance in deciding a moraldilemma. However, the writer points out that Kant was not an ordinary deontologist and he was in fact highly critical of ethical theories and moral philosophies that preceded his work. His theory is known as critical theory because of the errors that Kant identified in theories presented by previous thinkers. Kant's ethical theory begins with the definition of good will. The writer agrees with Kant that one must be autonomous in his moral decisions and act only if he feels that such a law is universal in nature.
From the Paper "Moving ahead with this, he explained that good will was not bound by duty. In other words, while duty might compel many people to have a good will but a genuine good will should never be dependent on duty. When something is dependent on something else, there is always room for personal desires, prejudices and biases taking over. But a genuine good will is something that stays closely connected with one's personal sense of morality and is neither governed by a sense of duty nor by conventional morality. However since man has his limitations and is often moved by his personal desires, duty is the only thing that would force him to act on good will and good will alone. This is an interesting paradox but one that is largely based on reason. Ideally, good will should be free of duty but man cannot attain good will without having some law or sense of duty binding him to act on it."
This paper discusses that the government is caught in a dilemma between assuring the freedom of religion and association of anti-homosexual individuals and, at the same time, assuring the basic human rights of homosexuals, especially in the area of work.
Abstract This paper explains that much of the complaint on the side of gay rights activists is based on the common modern idea that every person has the right to employment; however, there exists a great philosophical question as to whether a right to work actually exists. The author points out that opposed to the right to work is the employer's strong right to self-determination, disposal of his personal property, and his or her right of association. The paper concludes that, though gays and lesbians may have a moral right to work, no person, whether gay or straight, has a moral right to specific employment.
From the Paper "Another view of rights suggests that they are man-made and legally created. In that case, ?the question whether there is a right to work then becomes a purely factual one" depending on whether or not the government has created such a right. Classically, rights are negative -- that is to say, they are determined by arenas in which no one should be allowed to interfere, such as a right to life, which should not be violated by murder. One could argue then that there is a moral right to work, in that no one should interfere with someone else's occupation. At the same time, there does not seem to be a moral right to work for a particular employer or for a particular wage or to be paid at all. Few rights are positive in the sense that they are a right to have something, because that would require someone else to actively provide it."
Abstract This paper uses five examples to explore how and why ethical conflicts arise. The author begins by describing and analyzing a conflict of moral values on a strictly personal level. The author then expands the context of each successive example, examining dilemmas arising in the workplace, in American culture, and with Muslim immigration to America. The paper concludes with a discussion of conflicting values on an international scale.
From the Paper "Making an ethical decision should not depend on how well that decision is received, but in fact creating a more receptive atmosphere for ethical behavior should be a priority and would have real benefits for society as a whole. It is not enough to say that we prefer ethical behavior, for we have to show that this is the case and that we honor those who take this route."
Tags: individuality, responsibility, exceptionalism, morality, tolerance, fear
An argument that embryonic stem cell research is not unethical because the benefits derived from the research outweigh the moral obligations to the fetus.
Abstract This paper explores the ethical dilemma regarding embryonic stem cell research that is based on the fact that embryos donated for in vitro fertilization are destroyed once stem cells are extracted from them for study. The paper focuses on President Bush's objections that have caused federal funding of stem cell research to remain illegal. The paper then deals with the potential benefits of stem cell research and contends that the research is a priority that should not get delayed by moral issues. The paper further argues that these embryonic stem cells are otherwise destroyed if they are not used for life saving research purposes.
From the Paper "Stem cells are seen as a new hope and frontier of science. By Conservatives they are seen as overt moral disregard for the sanctity of life. However, this is not a debate that can be easily judged or dismissed. An understanding of the dynamic nature of stem cells can inform all as to the ultimate benefits and appeals of stem cells for scientific research and achieve a proportionate understanding of the true means by which the practice is called immoral by right-to-lifers who are faith based.
"Stem cells are not the end of life, but to scientists represent the potential achievement of a bridge to a higher level of living and health and curative process. Stem cells have the potential to develop into various and virtually unlimited forms of regenerative cells in the body. They are dynamic in nature so that the body can instinctively transform and utilize them as repair cells for whatever affliction, malady, or infection plaguing the immune system of the body."
Abstract This study examines the moral decision of Antigone, in Sophocles' play "Antigone", to bury her dead brother against the legal decree of Creon, the King of Thebes. It explains that Antigone grants that her brother Polyneices has indeed broken the law by trying to take over Thebes (the reason that Creon wants to disallow his burial), but Antigone argues that there is a higher law than the legal code, a higher law which is based on the sacred tie of blood relations. She argues that the Gods support her in her effort to bury her brother. It shows that even though the decision may cost her her life, but she is determined to do everything she can to follow and abide by what she sees as a higher moral calling. After an examination of the decision itself, this study applies the ethical theories of Immanuel Kant and Jeremy Bentham to that decision.
From the Paper "Creon and Antigone could not stand in more stark contrast to one another in terms of the qualities important to each. Creon may have the civic law on his side, and he may argue from that basis, at least on the surface, but the play shows that his major concerns are pride and revenge, not following the law. Antigone, on the other hand, cares only about doing what is right according to the highest standards of humanity and of the gods. She wants to bury her brother as much as Creon wants to prevent his burial. A powerful clue to the essential stands of each character is that Antigone determinedly maintains her ethical stand to the end, while Creon changes his mind and buries Polyneices--although he acts too late to avert the catastrophe prophesied by Teiresias."
Abstract This paper discusses moral development and whether acts can be categorized as just or unjust. The paper presents examples of particular acts, such as stealing medication to save a dying person and discusses them in terms of morality and justice. The paper suggests that each act must be looked at on an individual basis and extenuating circumstances should be taken into account.
From the Paper "In examining these teachings, we examine Heinz's moral dilemma: if Heinz did not steal the medications from the pharmacy, then his wife is at risk of dying. Would it then be justifiable to steal the medications instead? The religious teachings tell us that there is no room for actions that are outright immoral: stealing certainly inflicts injustice to the pharmacist. However, one should realise that Heinz and his wife are in a state of injustice themselves. Poverty is a state of injustice. Deprivation is a form of inequality in our society. Moreover, the fact that they are poor and have no immediate means to obtain the medication deprives them of their basic right to health and life. These are two of the natural rights of humans emphasised by Locke. On the other hand, there is nothing in the situation that states if Heinz has asked his government for help: has his government failed to help him by not providing him with whatever medicine his wife can use? Has he asked for help from other people or institutions that may be able to help?"
