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No. Content Page

1.1 Introduction 3

2.1 Kohlberg’s Stages of Dilemma (Heinz dilemma) 3-4

3.1 Self-Inflicted Dilemma 4

4.1 False Dilemma 4-5

5.1 Conclusion 5

6.1 References 6

Table of Contents
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1.1 Introduction
In moral dilemmas, the decision-maker must weigh between two or more moral
obligations or ideals but can only uphold one of them; therefore, regardless of the
choice, the person will break at least one significant moral obligation. Moreover, we
shall distinguish between real and false dilemmas. The former refers to circumstances
where there is conflict between moral obligations that are, for the most part, on an
equal footing. In a true dilemma, one must choose between two wrongs that are about
equal in wrongness or equal in rightness. The latter refers to circumstances where the
decision-maker is morally obligated to act in one way but is being coerced or under
pressure to act in a different way. 

2.1 Kohlberg’s Stages of Dilemma (Heinz dilemma)

One well-known version of the dilemma, used in Kohlberg’s stages of dilemma is the
Heinz dilemma. According to the Heinz Dilemma by Kohlberg, a man named Heinz
had to make a decision to either save his dying wife by breaking the law and steal the
drug which could save his wife’s life or to keep up with the juridical justice by not
stealing the drug but see his wife die. The dilemma explains as such: “Heinz’s wife
was dying from a particular type of cancer. Doctors said a new drug might save her.
The drug had been discovered by a local chemist, and the Heinz tried desperately to
buy some, but the chemist was charging ten times the money it cost to make the drug,
and this was much more than the Heinz could afford. Heinz could only raise half the
money, even after help from family and friends. He explained to the chemist that his
wife was dying and asked if he could have the drug cheaper or pay the rest of the
money later. The chemist refused, saying that he had discovered the drug and was
going to make money from it. The husband was desperate to save his wife, so later
that night he broke into the chemist’s and stole the drug.”
 
In Heinz’s opinion, his wife was dying he needed that drug to save his wife and he did
try to borrow as much money as possible, but he only had that much. Thus, he
promised to pay the remaining money after. But the doctor did not agree to it. On the
other hand, the doctor only needed ten times less the price to make the drug, he
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would’ve still earned 5 times more from Heinz if he gave half the amount, but the
doctor refused because he wanted to make money out of the drug. So, from a moral
point of view they’re both right, and wrong, hence, a moral dilemma.

3.1 Self-inflicted dilemma

A moral dilemma can also be brought on by oneself, which is referred to as a self-
inflicted dilemma. The Bible's account of King Herod serves as a classic past
illustration. Salome, his stepdaughter, danced so beautifully on King Herod's birthday
that he promised to give her anything she desired. Salome asked her mother for advice
on what she should wish for and ultimately chose to request John the Baptist's head on
a platter. So, the king had to decide whether to uphold his pledge to his stepdaughter
or to honour the life of John the Baptist. The monarch had unintentionally created a
moral predicament for himself, one in which, regardless of his choice, he would be
acting immorally.

Although the moral relevance of the two options is unequal. Salome took advantage
of the circumstance and made an awful request when King Herod, in his ecstasy,
made a dubious promise to her. King Herod had more moral motivations to save John
the Baptist's life than he did to honour his promise to his stepdaughter. He would
forfeit some moral principles either way, but which one was the better choice?
Although not in the literal sense of giving a choice between moral values that are on
an equal footing, this circumstance is nevertheless a moral dilemma.

4.1 False Dilemma

Most of us would’ve experienced a similar situation where we need to make a
Difficult Choice which unintentionally leads to a false dilemma.
Here is a good example to explain the situation, You choose to spend a weekend at
the beach because you and your family enjoy being there. On extended vacations,
your daughter frequently gets bored, so you intend to bring your niece. As soon as
you get there, a storm is brewing and the ocean appears choppy. You instruct the kids
to get ready for swimming but to return to help unload the car. The kids are so ecstatic
that they ignore the final sentence you speak and dash to the beach to go swimming.
However, as a result of the storm, both of the children are at once carried up in a
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powerful current and risk being taken out to sea. Although your spouse can swim
well, he can only help one person at once. Then, he must decide whether to save your
daughter first because she is a strong swimmer and may be able to survive longer than
your niece but your husband cannot bear the thought of losing your daughter, or to
save your niece first because she is a weak swimmer and may not be able to survive
as long as your daughter? Which is the better choice? The answer is obvious.
However, because of personal reasons an option is created, hence, moral dilemma is
created. As the answer of this moral dilemma is obvious, this dilemma is understood
as a false dilemma.

5.1 Conclusion
A moral dilemma, in its simplest form, is a circumstance in which a person must
choose between doing what is right and what is wrong and considers their underlying
ideals and values. The decision made by the individual may make them feel burdened,
guilty, relieved, or question their moral standards. In situations involving moral
choices, the person is frequently forced to choose a result that they can live with,
although all other outcomes are abhorrent. People frequently utilise moral dilemmas
as a tool to help them analyse the justifications behind their beliefs and behaviour.
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