Assignment Instructions: Heinz's Dilemma Is A Frequently Use

Assignment Instructionsheinzs Dilemmais A Frequently Used Example In

Heinz's dilemma is a frequently used example in many ethics and morality classes. One well-known version of the dilemma, used in Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development, involves a man named Heinz whose wife is dying from a rare form of cancer. A local chemist has discovered a drug that might save her life, but the drug is extremely expensive, and the chemist is charging ten times the cost of production. Heinz borrows money and raises funds but can only gather half of the needed amount. When he pleads with the chemist to sell it cheaper or allow him to pay later, he refuses, asserting his right to profit. Desperate, Heinz steals the drug to save his wife.

This dilemma raises fundamental questions about morality: Is it right to break the law to save a life? Should personal morals take precedence over legal rules? Different perspectives interpret the morality of Heinz’s actions differently. These perspectives form the basis for assessing moral reasoning at various stages of development. In this context, three individuals—Theresa, Jose, and Darnell—offer contrasting views: Theresa advocates for stealing the drug, Jose emphasizes obeying the law, and Darnell supports stealing while accepting potential punishment.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding moral dilemmas such as Heinz’s offers critical insights into human ethics, legal systems, and personal morality. This essay explores three distinct perspectives on whether Heinz should have stolen the drug to save his wife, analyzing the reasoning, age-related considerations, and potential life outcomes associated with each viewpoint.

Perspective 1: Heinz should steal the drug and not go to prison (Theresa's view)

Theresa’s perspective posits that saving a human life is a moral imperative that supersedes legal constraints. From this viewpoint, the act of stealing the drug is justified because it addresses a fundamental ethical obligation to preserve human life and alleviate suffering. Theresa may argue that laws are human-made and should serve human needs rather than hinder the moral obligation to save lives. In this sense, if following the law leads to unjust consequences—such as the preventable death of Heinz’s wife—then breaking the law becomes ethically permissible.

This perspective often aligns with the moral reasoning typical of individuals in early stages of Kohlberg’s moral development, particularly at the pre-conventional level, where decisions are based on personal consequences and immediate outcomes. Younger individuals or those with a strong sense of empathy may be more inclined to adopt Theresa’s viewpoint, prioritizing human compassion over societal rules.

However, this perspective may encounter challenges as individuals age and encounter the broader implications of their actions. If taken to extremes, it could lead to an endorsement of law-breaking in situations beyond emergencies, potentially undermining societal order. Nonetheless, proponents argue that moral urgency, like saving a life, warrants exceptional measures.

In terms of life outcomes, individuals endorsing this view might develop a strong sense of moral independence and ethical conviction. They tend to champion social justice causes and demonstrate resilience and compassion, but they might also face social sanctions or legal repercussions if their actions are not justified by urgent moral needs.

Perspective 2: Heinz should not steal the drug because he would be breaking the law (Jose's view)

Jose’s stance emphasizes the importance of legality and adherence to established rules. From this standpoint, breaking the law is inherently wrong, regardless of the outcome. The moral argument here rests on principles of justice, property rights, and social order; theft violates these principles and could lead to chaos if universally accepted.

Individuals holding this perspective tend to reason at Kohlberg’s conventional level, where maintaining social order and respecting authority are paramount. They believe that laws are necessary for societal stability and that personal morality should align with societal norms and legal statutes. People in this stage might be older adolescents or adults who value discipline, responsibility, and social cohesion.

This viewpoint often fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for societal rules, which can lead to positive social functioning. However, rigid adherence to law can sometimes prevent moral actions necessary for compassion and justice. Critics argue that unquestioning obedience to law can result in moral dilemmas where laws are unjust or outdated.

Individuals adhering to Jose’s view may avoid the legal repercussions of theft but might face internal moral conflicts or feelings of helplessness when laws conflict with personal morals. Their successes include maintaining social stability, but they might also encounter moral frustration or reluctance to challenge unjust laws.

Perspective 3: Heinz should steal the drug and accept any prison sentence (Darnell's view)

Darnell’s view advocates for moral action coupled with personal responsibility. This perspective recognizes the imperative to act morally—such as saving a life—while accepting accountability for the consequences. Darnell would argue that Heinz’s moral obligation to save his wife outweighs concerns about legality or punishment, and that accepting prison shows moral integrity and respect for justice.

This stance aligns with more advanced stages of Kohlberg’s moral development, where moral reasoning involves weighing ethical principles and accepting personal responsibility. Such individuals may be older, more experienced, or have developed a nuanced understanding of moral complexity. They believe that doing the right thing sometimes involves hardship and sacrifice, including facing law enforcement consequences.

This perspective can foster virtues like courage, integrity, and justice. It encourages moral agents to prioritize ethical principles over societal rules, especially in urgent situations. Nonetheless, such individuals may face social sanctions, legal consequences, or personal hardship as a result of their actions.

In the long term, individuals espousing this view tend to develop a strong character built on moral conviction. They often become advocates for justice and social change. Potential challenges include isolation, legal punishment, or societal disapproval, but their conviction reinforces moral strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

These three perspectives—Theresa’s emphasis on moral urgency, Jose’s focus on legality, and Darnell’s endorsement of moral sacrifice—illustrate the multifaceted nature of moral reasoning. Each viewpoint reflects different developmental stages, values, and assessments of moral priority. Understanding these perspectives helps illuminate how individuals confront complex ethical dilemmas and make decisions that shape their moral character. Ultimately, moral dilemmas like Heinz’s challenge us to consider the balance between following laws and acting ethically, emphasizing that morality involves nuanced judgments tailored to specific circumstances.

References

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• Colby, A., & Kohlberg, L. (1987). The Measurement of Moral Judgment. Cambridge University Press.
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