Moral Dilemmas Term Paper

Total Length: 700 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 0

Page 1 of 2

I would have been thinking about social norms and categorical imperatives in Kohlberg's system -- or about the social value of self-sacrifice in Gilligan's.

Instead I made a moral choice that reflects moral maturity: a level of caring that Gilligan would define as postconventional. Whether consciously or not, I was determined to preserve the dignity and promote the well-being of both my friends. I took myself out of the picture. I knew that I was dealing with sensitive emotional issues and bonds of friendship that could be severed with one wrong word. Whether or not Julie and John were having problems was none of my business. I did not pry; I did not ask John what his possible role in Julie's behavior was either.

Kohlberg would claim that I had internalized a set of agreed-upon social values and my actions reflected the norms that underwrite morality in our culture. I would have reasoned that Julie and John each had a right to the Truth and that I was put in the (however awkward) position of delivering that truth.


Gilligan, on the other hand, would note that I was acting on an innate drive to care for others. In this situation, Gilligan's model more accurately reflects my decision to gently confront Julie rather than ignore John's request, ask Julie too bold of a question, or do anything else that might hurt Julie or John. I was not thinking about the value of their relationship, either. Knowing that not all relationships are meant to work out in the long run, I was not acting from a conventional moral position that valued relationship preservation over the happiness of my friends. Similarly, I felt that no matter what the outcome of the situation, I would be doing whatever I could to care for my friends. If it meant losing one or both of them, at least I would have been acting on the higher moral principles that transcend selfishness. Honoring Julie and John's value as human beings, I acted with postconventional morality......

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


Related Essays

Concept Map of a Nursing Ethical Dilemma

nurse are conflicting with personal values as well as beliefs and some element of patient care. One of the key moral dilemmas that a nurse can face while providing care is the treatment of a patient at the end of life. Towards the patient’s end of life, there is usually a problem as to which course of treatment ought to be rendered to the patient. The nurse is expected to provide palliative care with the main objective of relieving the suffering of the patients through the extensive examination and treatment of bodily, spiritual, as well as psychosomatic symptoms faced by patients. However, the nurse may face conflict from the family… Continue Reading...

Security Leader in a Military Organization

truth. The military may also lie about nuclear tests or use corrupt means to achieve certain ends. This is, however, not unusual as every profession presents ethical or moral dilemmas. Even so, the importance of integrity cannot be overemphasized. Military leaders must constantly portray integrity. Understanding and Connecting with People Leaders have a responsibility to take care of and connect with their followers. This involves showing concern for the needs of their followers and demonstrating kindness, compassion, and respect (Bertocci, 2009). In the military, the spirit of camaraderie is indeed important (Laver, 2008). Effective leaders uplift the weak. They understand that an element of weakness in the team would be detrimental to the team as a whole. They… Continue Reading...

sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Moral Dilemmas" (2008, April 07) Retrieved April 27, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/moral-dilemmas-30905

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Moral Dilemmas" 07 April 2008. Web.27 April. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/moral-dilemmas-30905>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Moral Dilemmas", 07 April 2008, Accessed.27 April. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/moral-dilemmas-30905