MPW 1153
Lesson 4: Resolving Moral Conflicts“Choose Your Side”
Quote
The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
4.1 Types of Conflict
Concept of ‘Divergence’
Divergence
When one set of reasons leads to the conclusion that one action should be taken while another set points to a different action
Example
Sara Frank Frank’s Wife and children
Should I stay with him?Should I leave him?Should I get him to divorce his wife?
Sara’s Dilemmas
Teleological/ Utilitarian Ethics
Deontological Ethics
If I remain I am happy Cheating is wrongI might lose out
If I leave I am unhappy Marriage is maintained
If I persuade Frank to divorce his wife
I am happy Divorce is wrong
Divergence
Teleological Deontological
What makes me happy What is RIGHT
Divergence
I split up with Frank
Frank keeps his marriage
1. I believe divorce is wrong2. If he gets a divorce because of me, I would have caused him to do something wrong, and that is wrong for me
4.1 Types of Conflict
a) Ethical Conflict Egoism vs. General Utility Happiness vs. Duty
Ego
SOCIETY’S MORALS/ETHICS
•Ethical Egoism•My happiness
•General Utility•Duty
The Two Sides
Ego
SOCIETY’S MORALS/ETHICS
•Wrong means wrong! •Do whatever that makes you happy!
4.1 Types of Conflict (con’t)
b) Normative Conflict in Social Philosophy
Who has final authority? What is the aim of the country? Justice vs. social utility Rights vs. Freedom
Exercise: Normative Conflict
Ethical conflict is the internal conflict of the individual
Normative conflict is the external conflicts in society
Which is more important: Freedom or rights? Justice or social utility?
Examine the following Case Studies
Case Study 1: Utility vs. Justice
I have the freedom to make as much moneyfor myself as possible
Every poor member of the society should receive help
from those who are rich
I have a right to live as I choose
Society has a right to live equally and with sufficient material satisfaction
Case Study: Freedom vs. Rights
A woman has the rightto have as many children
as she wants
UN’s Human rights say that it is the right of every child to have nutritious food and medical care for good health
The Rights of Mothers The Rights of Children
4.2 Reasons for Conflict
Social Dilemma Prisoner’s Dilemma Tragedy of the Commons
Conflict between groups Competition Social Categorization Inter-group Aggression
Case Study: The Arab vs. Israeli conflict- Who is right? How would you solve it?
4.3 Examples of Conflict and Models of Resolution
Socrates Ethical Thinking Conflict Non-emotion based No outside help Right/wrong, not circumstantial
4.4 Strategies in Resolving Conflicts
Value Analysis Strategy Fraenkel Approach Coomb Approach
Cognitive Moral Development Various levels
Strategy of Hierarchy Building Strategy of Dissolution Strategy of Compromise
#1: Value Analysis Strategies
Fraenkel Approach
Conflict
Choice of Action
Effects
Results
Judgement
Decision
Coomb Approach
Conflict
Identification
Fact-gathering
Fact-evaluating
Relevance of facts
Test moralprinciple
Decision
#1: Value Analysis Strategies
#2: Cognitive Moral Dvlpmt Strategy
1. Avoid punishment2. Receive reward3. Avoid disapproval, displeasure from
others4. Avoid trouble w authorities5. Maintain respect of neutral
observers who may judge the community
6. Avoid being morally condemned
#3: Strategy of Hierarchy Building
Assuming two or more values cannot be achieved together
“Which value should be considered?” The more important one
From the hierarchical ranking, a decision is made
#4: Strategy of Dissolution
Dissolving a conflict can be employed when forming a hierarchy is not effective or is difficult to carry out
Develop a THIRD alternative that will avoid the conflict altogether
WIN-WIN
#5: Strategy of Compromise
Everyone be given something, although of lesser value
Hierarchical approach not applicable, all regarded equally
Tension between values cannot be dissolved
Usually only used as a last resort
Conclusion
There are various approaches to resolve a moral conflict. Knowing these approaches will help us make tough decisions
We cannot run away from conflict all the time. We cannot remain neutral all the time. We must choose carefully. But don’t take too long to decide.
Sometimes the best way to resolve it is to just do it and learn afterwards. But at other times great care must be taken. Wisdom is knowing when to do what.
Top Related