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

Franks Wife and children

Should I stay with him? Should I leave him? Should I get him to divorce his wife?

Saras Dilemmas
Teleological/ Deontological Utilitarian Ethics Ethics If I remain I am happy I might lose out Cheating is wrong

If I leave

I am unhappy

Marriage is maintained
Divorce is wrong

If I persuade I am happy Frank to divorce his wife

Divergence

Teleological

Deontological

What makes me happy

What is RIGHT

Divergence

I split up with Frank

1. I believe divorce is wrong 2. 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

SOCIETYS MORALS/ETHICS

Ego

Ethical Egoism My happiness

General Utility Duty

The Two Sides

SOCIETYS MORALS/ETHICS

Ego

Wrong means wrong!

Do whatever that makes you happy!

4.1 Types of Conflict (cont)

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 money for 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 right to have as many children as she wants

UNs 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

Prisoners Dilemma Tragedy of the Commons Competition Social Categorization Inter-group Aggression

Conflict between groups

Case Study: The Arab vs. Israeli conflictWho 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 Various levels

Cognitive Moral Development

Strategy of Hierarchy Building Strategy of Dissolution Strategy of Compromise

#1: Value Analysis Strategies

Conflict

Fraenkel Approach

Choice of Action

Effects

Results

Judgement

Decision

#1: Value Analysis Strategies

Conflict

Coomb Approach

Identification

Fact-gathering

Fact-evaluating

Relevance of facts

Decision Test moral principle

#2: Cognitive Moral Dvlpmt Strategy

1.

2.
3. 4. 5.

6.

Avoid punishment Receive reward Avoid disapproval, displeasure from others Avoid trouble w authorities Maintain respect of neutral observers who may judge the community 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 dont 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.