Moral Dilemmas
Presented by:
Pedro H. Fontonalgo – ISAT-U
Yvonne B. Enojo- WVSU- Janiuay
Campus
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Define what is moral dilemma.
Discuss the philosophical theories on moral
dilemma.
Give examples of moral dilemma cases.
Explain how to confront moral dilemmas.
Introduction
A moral dilemma is a conflict
in which a moral agent have to
choose between two or more
actions and have moral
reasons for choosing each
action.
Philosophical Theories on Moral Dilemma
•According to Socrates, protecting others
from harm is the norm that takes priority.
•In Book I of Plato’s Republic, Cephalus
defines ‘justice’ as speaking the truth
and paying one’s debts.
•Socrates refutes this by suggesting that
it would be wrong to repay certain debts.
For example, to return a borrowed
weapon to a friend to a friend who is not
• Jean Paul Sartre (1957) describes
ethical dilemma as a situation wherein
one is torn between two kinds of
morality: one of limited scope but certain
efficacy, and the other of much wider
scope but uncertain efficacy.
This theory, emanated from the
example of Sartre involving a student
who was torn between the love of his
mother and his desire to become a
soldier to fight the Germans in order to
avenge the death of his brother during
the Second World War.
• In the book published by Sinnott-
Armstrong 1988, Chapter 1, the
author’s content that in order to have
a genuine moral dilemma it must also
be true that neither of the conflicting
requirements is overridden.
This is in consonance with the
Platonic principle that when one of
the conflicting requirements overrides
the other, we do not have a genuine
moral dilemma.
• Ethicists as diverse as Kant
(1971/1797), Mill (1979/1861), and
Ross (1930, 1939) have assumed
that an adequate moral theory should
not allow for the possibility of genuine
moral dilemmas.
Moral Conflict
Moral Reasons Moral Reasons
Situation that
needs decision
Clear Moral Values
To Do Not To Do
Sound Decision
Unclear Moral
Right Right
Values
Duties Duties
Unclear
Good Immediate Good
Action
Obligation Obligation
Sample Cases
of Moral
Dilemmas
1. Before the final examination, one of
your classmates told you that he had a
copy of the test papers for the final
examination in one of your subject. He
told you that you can have it
photocopied. Anyway the teacher
gives a photocopied test papers during
the examination and you will not be
discovered. Will you accept the offer of
your classmate?
2. One of your classmates told you
that she is pregnant and she is
planning to have it aborted. She was
asking you not to tell this to anybody
particularly to your guidance
counselor. In fact, she even requested
you to accompany her to abortionist.
What will you do?
3. Your best friend who happened also to be
your classmate was aspiring to become an
honor graduate. However, upon initial
computation of her final grade it fell short of
the grade requirements for her to become a
cum laude. Since you are working as a
student assistant in the registrars-office with
access to students records’, she asks you to
change her grade in one subject so that she
could qualify for latin honors.
Now, on several occasions she lent you
money for the medical needs of your sick
mother and therefore you have a debt of
gratitude to her. If you will not concede to
her request you would appear to be ingrate.
But you know very well that to do
so is immoral as well as against the
rules of the university. What will you
do?
How shall we confront
our Moral Dilemmas?
It is an established theory that we as
human beings are philosophically
considered rational as well as sentient.
Hence, being capable of reasoning and
analyzing situation based on our
perception, we formulate judgments at
serve as basis of our actions. It is
tantamount to saying that we are capable
of appreciating things, situations and even
objects by using our five senses.
Out of what we see, hear, taste, touch
and smell we formulate our perception as
well as ideas. In turn, we use such ideas
and perceptions as basis for our judgment.
As related to confronting our moral
dilemmas, our established principles and
values play crucial and important role.
Once we have developed in ourselves
strong commitment to abide by what we
believe is true and just as learned from
persons who influenced our character, it is
only then that we can stand and decide in
order to resolve the moral dilemma or
ethical conflict before us.
Along this line, it is highly important
to mention that one’s level of spirituality
or relationship with whoever he believes
as his God could influence his moral
integrity and courage. Thus, a man who
follows a certain moral norm has the
integrity to face moral dilemmas with
strong character.
It is therefore highly advised that
educators like us should teach not only
by word of mouth but most importantly
by example. We cannot give what we do
not have.
If we have engrained among
ourselves the faith that there is God
watching over us and all knowing
about our actions, then there is no
doubt we won’t compromise our love
with him in whatever moral dilemma
that we might find ourselves being
involved in.
Assessment:
In one whole sheet of pad paper write an
essay of not more than 500 words about
the most unforgettable moral dilemma
that you have encountered.
Thank You
Teaching Plan
LEARNING
LEARNING OBJECTIVES TOPIC MATERIALS ASSESSMENT
METHODOLOGY
Define what is moral Moral Lecture: Moral Power point At the end of
dilemma. Dilemma Dilemma presentation the class, the
Discuss the Philosophical Discussion about moral students will
philosophical Theories on about dilemma make a reaction
theories on moral Moral Philosophical Internet paper regarding
dilemma. Dilemma Theories on research moral
Give examples of Sample moral dilemma.
moral dilemma cases Cases on dilemma The students
Explain how to Moral Giving sample will write a n
confront moral Dilemma situations essay about a
dilemmas. How shall Confronting situation
we confront Moral wherein they
our Moral Dilemma encounter
Dilemma moral dilemma.
