TOPIC 4: MORAL DILLEMA

A moral dilemma is a situation in which a person is faced with a choice between two or more options, all of which
involve conflicting moral principles or values. In other words, no matter what action is taken, there will be
consequences that conflict with deeply held beliefs about what is right or wrong.

Here are some key features of a moral dilemma:

1. Conflicting Values: A moral dilemma arises when there are competing moral values or principles at play.
For example, honesty versus loyalty, or individual rights versus societal welfare.

2. No Clear Right Answer: In a moral dilemma, there may not be a clear-cut solution that satisfies all moral
principles or values involved. Each option may have both positive and negative consequences.

3. Personal Distress: Individuals facing a moral dilemma often experience emotional distress or inner conflict
because they must weigh the consequences of their actions against their moral beliefs.

4. Decision-Making Difficulty: Making a decision in a moral dilemma can be challenging and may require
careful consideration of various factors, including ethical principles, consequences, and personal values.

Examples of moral dilemmas include:

 Deciding whether to tell the truth and risk hurting someone's feelings or lying to protect them.

 Choosing between saving one person's life at the expense of others or sacrificing one's own safety to save
many.

 Balancing the obligation to keep a promise with the need to do what is morally right in a given situation.

Moral dilemmas are common in everyday life and often require individuals to reflect deeply on their values and
priorities in order to make ethical decisions.

TOPIC 5: MORAL JUDGMENT AND MORAL VALUE

1. Moral Judgment:

Moral judgment refers to the process of evaluating actions, behaviors, or situations based on moral principles or
standards. It involves making decisions about what is right or wrong, good or bad, in a given context.

Key aspects of moral judgment include:

 Evaluation of Actions: Moral judgment involves assessing the ethical implications of specific
actions or behaviors and determining their moral worth.

 Consideration of Consequences: Individuals often weigh the potential outcomes and

consequences of different courses of action when making moral judgments.

 Application of Moral Principles: Moral judgment relies on applying moral principles, values, and
beliefs to assess the ethical dimensions of a situation and guide decision-making.

Moral judgment is influenced by various factors, including personal beliefs, cultural norms, societal expectations,
and the context in which the moral dilemma arises.

2. Moral Value:

Moral values are the fundamental beliefs or principles that guide individual behavior and inform moral judgment.
They serve as standards of right and wrong, shaping ethical decision-making and behavior in various contexts.

Key aspects of moral values include:

 Core Beliefs: Moral values reflect deeply held convictions about what is morally right, virtuous, or
ethically acceptable.

 Guiding Principles: Moral values provide a framework for evaluating actions and behaviors,
helping individuals navigate moral dilemmas and make ethical choices.
  Cultural and Social Influence: Moral values are often influenced by cultural norms, religious
teachings, family upbringing, and societal expectations.

Examples of moral values include honesty, integrity, compassion, fairness, respect for others, and a commitment
to justice.

TOPIC 6: MORAL FRAMEWORK

Moral Framework:

A moral framework is a structured system or set of principles that individuals use to evaluate ethical dilemmas,
make moral judgments, and guide their behavior. It provides a framework for understanding and navigating
complex moral issues by establishing guidelines for determining right and wrong.

Key components of a moral framework include:

 Principles and Values: A moral framework is built upon fundamental principles and values that serve as
the foundation for ethical decision-making. These principles often include concepts such as fairness,
justice, honesty, compassion, and respect for human dignity.

 Ethical Theories: Moral frameworks may draw upon various ethical theories or philosophical perspectives
to inform decision-making. These theories offer different frameworks for understanding morality and
provide guidelines for ethical behavior, such as utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and ethical
relativism.

 Cultural and Social Context: A moral framework is shaped by cultural norms, societal values, religious
beliefs, and personal experiences. It reflects the broader context in which individuals live and interact,
influencing their moral reasoning and judgment.

 Application to Ethical Dilemmas: A moral framework provides individuals with a systematic approach to
analyzing ethical dilemmas and making moral choices. It helps individuals weigh competing interests,
consider consequences, and identify the most ethically defensible course of action.

Examples of moral frameworks include religious moral codes (e.g., the Ten Commandments in Christianity, the Five
Pillars of Islam), secular ethical theories (e.g., humanism, utilitarianism), and personal moral philosophies shaped
by individual beliefs and values.

Ultimately, a moral framework serves as a guiding framework that helps individuals navigate moral complexities,
uphold ethical principles, and strive to act in accordance with their moral values and convictions.