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.