ETHICAL DILEMMASETHICAL DILEMMAS

How do we know what is right

to do?

IntroductionIntroduction You can save the life of only one of the following. Which one

would you choose?1. A child or an adult

2. A stranger or your dog

3. Hitler or lassie

4. Your spouse or a Nobel Laureate

5. A dog or a weasel

6. Your entire family or the entire canine species

7. A bottle with the cure for cancer or your brother

8. A bottle with the cure for cancer or your brother who just gave you one of his kidneys

IntroductionIntroduction What would you choose to do?

1. Your teacher accidentally left the final exam paper on the photocopier. You could

a)a) take ittake it

b)b) leave itleave it

2. You just found that your roommate A has been stealing from roommate B. A is a very selfish brat that everyone dislikes. You could

a)a) do nothingdo nothing

b)b) tell A in private to stoptell A in private to stop

c)c) tell Btell B

3. You just saw Bill Gates dropping a $100 bill on the street in front of you. You could

a)a) take ittake it

b)b) leave itleave it

c)c) call out to Billcall out to Bill

AGENDAAGENDA

Ethical Systems

Case Studies

Ethical Dilemmas

ETHICAL SYSTEM #1 – DIVINE COMMANDETHICAL SYSTEM #1 – DIVINE COMMAND

Description – “God says so”– Moral standards depend on God who is all-knowing– Any act that conforms to the law of God is right; an act that breaks God's law

is wrong

Example– Christian religions point believers to rules like the Ten Commandments

Problems– Can be arbitrary depending on interpretation– Can we know the true divine authority?– What if there are multiple divine authorities?

ETHICAL SYSTEM #2 - DEONTOLOGYETHICAL SYSTEM #2 - DEONTOLOGY

Description – “It is my duty / the rule to do so”– Emphasis is on independent moral rules and duties, not on consequences

““deon” – dutydeon” – duty ““logos” – sciencelogos” – science Deontology – the science of dutyDeontology – the science of duty

To make the correct moral choices– What are our moral duties?– What are the correct rules which regulate those duties?– Need to follow moral rules with the correct intentions or motivations

But, a correct motivation alone is never a But, a correct motivation alone is never a justificationjustification It is also not enough to simply It is also not enough to simply believebelieve that something is the correct duty to follow that something is the correct duty to follow Duties and obligations must be determined objectively and absolutely, not subjectivelyDuties and obligations must be determined objectively and absolutely, not subjectively

Examples– Ex-UWC student as soldier in Israeli army– Teacher-on-call at RCNUWC

ETHICAL SYSTEM #2 - DEONTOLOGYETHICAL SYSTEM #2 - DEONTOLOGY

Types– Duty Theories

An action is morally right if it is in accord with some list of duties and obligationsAn action is morally right if it is in accord with some list of duties and obligations

– Rights Theories People should be legally free to do whatever they wish so long as their actions do not impinge People should be legally free to do whatever they wish so long as their actions do not impinge

upon the rights of others upon the rights of others Also called LibertarianismAlso called Libertarianism

– Contractualism An action is morally right if it is in accordance with the rules that rational moral agents would An action is morally right if it is in accordance with the rules that rational moral agents would

agree to observe upon entering into a social relationship (contract) for mutual benefit agree to observe upon entering into a social relationship (contract) for mutual benefit

ETHICAL SYSTEM #2 - DEONTOLOGYETHICAL SYSTEM #2 - DEONTOLOGY

Problems– Which rules or duties to follow, regardless of consequences?

Duties valid in the 18Duties valid in the 18thth century may no longer be valid today century may no longer be valid today But who to decide? How to decide?But who to decide? How to decide?

– There is no clear way to resolve conflicts between moral duties How to choose between two moral duties?How to choose between two moral duties?

Not to lieNot to lie Not to harm othersNot to harm others

Choose lesser of two evils?Choose lesser of two evils? But based on which evil has more harmful consequencesBut based on which evil has more harmful consequences Therefore choice no longer based on absolute principles, rulesTherefore choice no longer based on absolute principles, rules

ETHICAL SYSTEM #3 - TELEOLOGYETHICAL SYSTEM #3 - TELEOLOGY

Description – “Only consequences matter”– Focus on the consequences which any action might have

often referred to as consequentialist moral systems often referred to as consequentialist moral systems ““telos” – the endtelos” – the end ““logos” - sciencelogos” - science Teleologoy: the science of endsTeleologoy: the science of ends

Actions are judged right or wrong solely by their consequences

– If actions have the correct consequences, one has acted morally– To make decisions, need to ask

What will be the consequences of this action?What will be the consequences of this action? What will be the consequences of inaction?What will be the consequences of inaction? How do I weigh the harm against the benefits of this action? How do I weigh the harm against the benefits of this action?

ETHICAL SYSTEM #3 - TELEOLOGYETHICAL SYSTEM #3 - TELEOLOGY

Types– Ethical Egoism

Consequences of the action to the moral agent performing the action. Consequences of the action to the moral agent performing the action.

– Ethical Altruism Consequences of the action to everyone except the moral agent. Consequences of the action to everyone except the moral agent.

– Ethical Utilitarianism Consequences of the action to everyone. Consequences of the action to everyone. Choose the action that brings the greatest ‘utility’ or happiness to the greatest number of peopleChoose the action that brings the greatest ‘utility’ or happiness to the greatest number of people

Example– US dropping atomic bomb on Japan

ETHICAL SYSTEM #3 - TELEOLOGYETHICAL SYSTEM #3 - TELEOLOGY

Problems– Cannot know the full consequences of actions– How to quantify the consequences in terms of ‘human happiness’?– The end justifies the means– Why should one take responsibility for ALL the consequences of one’s actions?

One may not know what they areOne may not know what they are One may not be able to control the consequences – unintended consequencesOne may not be able to control the consequences – unintended consequences Determinism – we do not deserve to be punishedDeterminism – we do not deserve to be punished

ETHICAL SYSTEM #4 – VIRTUE ETHICSETHICAL SYSTEM #4 – VIRTUE ETHICS

Description – “Only intentions matter”– Virtue ethics focuses on helping people develop good character traits, which will, in turn,

allow a person to make the correct decisions later on in life Plato’s four virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance and justice Plato’s four virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance and justice

– Emphasis is on intentions and motives, not consequences– We should desire certain outcomes and that we should want to accomplish certain goals

by our actions

Example:– A school faculty determines that a student council officer with a genuine interest to serve

deserves more recognition than one who just wants to beef up his resume

Key questions to ask to make decisions– What sort of person do I want to be? – What virtues are characteristic of the person I want to be? – What actions will cultivate the virtues I want to possess? – What actions will be characteristic of the sort of person I want to be?

ETHICAL SYSTEM #4 – VIRTUE ETHICSETHICAL SYSTEM #4 – VIRTUE ETHICS

Problems– Many moral dilemmas require a great deal of careful reasoning and thinking —

simply having the right character cannot be enough to even make the right decision

– What are the “right” sort of character is which a person should have? Ask a “virtuous” personAsk a “virtuous” person Ask a “happy” personAsk a “happy” person But one person’s virtue may be another person’s viceBut one person’s virtue may be another person’s vice

ETHICAL SYSTEM #5 - RELATIVISMETHICAL SYSTEM #5 - RELATIVISM

Description – “Ethics is relative”– No principles are universally valid – All moral principles are valid relative to cultural tastes – The rules of the society serve as a standard

Example– South Seas Islanders practice cannibalism – Cannibalism is strictly prohibited in the U.S.

Strengths– Brings about tolerance of other cultures.

Problem– Confuses what ought to be done with what is currently done– Does not provide guidance on how to decide what to do!

AGENDAAGENDA

Ethical Systems

Case Studies

Ethical Dilemmas

ETHICAL SYSTEMS – CASE STUDIESETHICAL SYSTEMS – CASE STUDIES

Case 1– Enu, the old grandmother of an Shoshone tribe, could no longer chew the

buffalo hides to make them supple enough for making items of clothing – When winter came and food supplies were not sufficient for all, it was decided

by the tribe that Enu would be left alone on a nearby hill to die– Ethical relativism

The decision was based on the mores or traditions of the tribeThe decision was based on the mores or traditions of the tribe

Case 2– Rachel has fallen in love with Nathan, a schoolmate in a small religious school

set up by a Christian sect– Her parents forbid a marriage with Nathan and make arrangements for Rachel

to marry Peter, another youth in the church– Rachel married Peter – Divine command

The decision was based on one of The Ten Commandments - honor thy mother and father, for The decision was based on one of The Ten Commandments - honor thy mother and father, for instance instance

ETHICAL SYSTEMS – CASE STUDIESETHICAL SYSTEMS – CASE STUDIES Case 3

– Rachel visited her friend Sarah in the hospital– Sarah had been badly burned and blinded in a car accident and seemed most concerned

about how disfigured she might look– She asks Rachel how awful she looks– Rachel lies to Sarah and tells her the effects of the burn are not bad at all– Teleology (Ethical altruism)

The decision was based on the best consequence for SarahThe decision was based on the best consequence for Sarah

Case 4– Hank is not religious– He witnesses a man known to be quite wealthy drop a money clip containing several

large bills– Hank could definitely use the money to help buy clothes for his eight foster children– Hand returns the money to the man– Deontology

The decision was based on the worth of the individual who should never be used as a means to an end. The decision was based on the worth of the individual who should never be used as a means to an end. OROR

– Virtue Ethics He acts out of spontaneous goodness He acts out of spontaneous goodness

ETHICAL SYSTEMS – CASE STUDIESETHICAL SYSTEMS – CASE STUDIES

Case 5– In Germany during 1942– A Christian soldier, whose close friend is imprisoned in Dachau concentration

camp, finds himself in a crowd with his leader, Adolf Hitler– He views the Fuhrer as ruthless and dangerous to his country– Being armed, he considers killing Hitler– After a few moments of hesitation, the soldier assassinates Adolf Hitler– Teleology (ethical utilitarianism)

The decision was based on the best consequence for the most peopleThe decision was based on the best consequence for the most people

AGENDAAGENDA

Ethical Systems

Case Studies

Ethical Dilemmas

Dilemma #1 – Rules and ExceptionsDilemma #1 – Rules and Exceptions Stick to the Rule, or Make an Exception for a Good Student?

– James is a fourth-grade classroom teacher whose homework policy is that Homework for the week goes home on Friday and is due the following ThursdayHomework for the week goes home on Friday and is due the following Thursday It is the students' choice to do it or notIt is the students' choice to do it or not If homework is not completed and handed in on Friday, students will serve detention during one If homework is not completed and handed in on Friday, students will serve detention during one

recess period. recess period.

– Raoul is an excellent student who always finishes his work and he does it well. He is a sensitive and dedicated student, who strives hard to please. He is a sensitive and dedicated student, who strives hard to please. One Wednesday, Raoul was sick and out of school, and the following day he forgets to bring his One Wednesday, Raoul was sick and out of school, and the following day he forgets to bring his

homework to class. homework to class. This is the first time Raoul does not have his homework. This is the first time Raoul does not have his homework. Raoul could have gotten a day's extension for being sick. Raoul could have gotten a day's extension for being sick. The thought of serving detention is devastating to Raoul. The thought of serving detention is devastating to Raoul.

– James needs to choose to Follow the rule and have Raoul serve the detention, or Follow the rule and have Raoul serve the detention, or Make an exception based on the fact that Raoul had been sick. Make an exception based on the fact that Raoul had been sick.

Dilemma #1 – Rules and ExceptionsDilemma #1 – Rules and Exceptions James should enforce the rule and require Raoul to serve

detention:– Raoul did not hand in his homework. – The other children need to know that their teacher is fair and does not play

favorites. – They also need to know that if they choose to break a rule or policy, they are

choosing to pay the consequences.

James should make an exception for Raoul: – He is a model student who does more work than asked to do, and the

homework policy was established to encourage those students who would not do even the minimum required work without an incentive.

– Is it fair to punish a student who works hard for forgetfulness? After all, he could have said he did not finish his homework because he was sick and needed an After all, he could have said he did not finish his homework because he was sick and needed an

extensionextension

– Is it fair to punish him for choosing to tell the truth? Would punishing him now encourage him to lie in the future when a situation like this came up? Would punishing him now encourage him to lie in the future when a situation like this came up?

Dilemma #2 – Save Life or Let DieDilemma #2 – Save Life or Let Die Save someone’s life, or let him die?

– Don, an emergency medical doctor, was driving on the highway when he saw a car stopping on the side of the road

– Elderly driver at the wheel was slumped forward and seemingly unconscious. The driver's wife jumped out of the vehicle and waved her arms at him, seeking help

– Don put in a call to emergency and pulled over to the breakdown lane – As Don was beginning to apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the man's wife

confronted Don, saying, "No! Please don't try to revive him. He's had a serious heart condition for some time now, and he has a living will stating that he doesn't want to be resuscitated."

– The woman was adamant, but did not have the living will with her. – Don rechecked the man's pulse: It was weak, but the man was alive. – What should Don do?

Dilemma #2 – Save Life or Let DieDilemma #2 – Save Life or Let Die Don should try to revive the elderly man

– As an emergency medical doctor, Don is sworn to uphold the preservation of life, and, in a sense he is a representative of the community's interest in overseeing the welfare of its citizens.

– Also, without seeing the proper papers, Don cannot be certain the man really would want him to do otherwise.

Don should honor the wife's demand that her husband's personal wishes be respected.

– Don cannot really know the circumstances that have preceded this moment, and he ought not to second guess the process of consideration that has resulted in the "do not resuscitate" order.

– The Golden Rule: Treat others only in ways that you're willing to be treated in the same exact situation

Put in the other man's position--and assuming that the living will has been drawn up--Don Put in the other man's position--and assuming that the living will has been drawn up--Don would probably want the "do not resuscitate" order to be upheld. After all, why else would one would probably want the "do not resuscitate" order to be upheld. After all, why else would one put together a living will? put together a living will?

Still, the living will itself is not at hand, and a third way out seems unlikely to appear. Still, the living will itself is not at hand, and a third way out seems unlikely to appear.

Dilemma #4 – Crime and PunishmentDilemma #4 – Crime and Punishment In Dostoyevsky's novel Crime and Punishment

– The main character plots and carries out the murder of an old woman who has a considerable amount of money in her apartment.

– After killing her, he steals the money.

He argues that – She is a malicious old woman, petty, cantankerous and scheming, useless to

herself and to society (which happens to be true), and her life causes no happiness to herself or to others; and

– Her money if found after her death would only fall into the hands of chisellers anyway, whereas he would use it for his education.

Is this action justified?