Alcantara, John Denn A.

GED107/A1
ME / 1 1/10/2020
Topic: Ethical Dilemma

A. Family First
The moral dilemma of Sally is that she had to choose which to save first between her
husband or 12 strangers and time is also to be consider because this is a matter of life and
death. Being in her situation, circumstances really matter because she is confronted of doing
what she thinks is best and whichever decision she choose will cause pain. Sally’s situation
could be considered as Ontological Dilemma whereas both choices weigh as much, and neither
could be overridden. If I were Sally, I would go for my husband because above all things, family
comes first. Looking at this choice, this is driven by her motive. Sally’s motive of saving her
husband is love. We feel bad whenever we see war and hundreds of deaths but when a loved
one dies, we feel as if some part of us just died as well. On the other hand, the perspective of
utilitarianism says saving the 12 people would be the best choice because compare to a one to
twelve lives, these strangers weigh more but if we will look at the bigger picture 12 people is just
a speck of thousands of people who needs help. Helping our family members should be a
priority thus a way of helping the society because we are lessening those who need help. Those
12 lives may seem to be greater but Sally choosing to save one life is completely reasonable
and understandable. As you can see, Sally is not obligated to save them therefore saving them
or not could be considered as optional act. However, as husband and wife they made a promise
that they would be there for one another. Our moral obligations towards other people varies and
depends on the relationship that we have. Therefore, Sally should save her husband because it
is the right thing to do as a wife and alternatively, she could call rescuers or back-up to save the
other twelve.

B. No One Gets Hurt

Scarlett is stuck in the situation whereas she had to choose between living out her fantasies
or remaining a faithful wife. Her moral dilemma is that she was given a choice and an
opportunity to be with the man of her dreams, but she was married however she has the control
to keep it for herself. Her situation could be described as Obligation Dilemma whereas she as a
married woman is obligated to remain exclusive for her husband. Looking at the perspective of
Egoism she could do as she pleases because she could act according to her self-interests. If I
would be Scarlett, I will resist Brad Depp and not do it. Even if no one gets hurt, cheating is
wrong thus nullifies the very essence of relationships. This choice is bounded by the possible
consequences when things get out of hand. On the perspective of consequentialism, if she
would cheat on her husband their marriage will be compromise. Yes, she could hide the truth
and refrain her husband from knowing but deep inside her she knows what she did was wrong,
and her feeling will be subjected to guilt. Her husband’s not knowing may not affect him directly
but once she cheated, she’ll have the hunger to do it again and again. The consequence is that
it will affect Scarlett directly and mentally, her treatment to his husband might even change.
She’ll be throwing a lifetime for a one-night stand. I, therefore believe Scarlett should deny the
call of Brad Depp and if she had to leave Bahamas then she must do it in order to keep herself
from cheating. Even if we look at it on different angles and perspective, cheating will always be
morally wrong.