Moral Dilemma ✓ Solved

MORAL DILEMMA 3 Moral Dilemma Name Teacher’s Name Date Moral Dilemma According to philosophers, the morally upright course will be the course that would be acceptable if everyone would act the same and the outcome is valuable to all people. Therefore, throwing fifteen people out of the boat will be wrong because this will be like murder, but as the captain, murder is inescapable. I do not believe that my way of handling the situation would be best, but either way, a choice would have to be made. The best way that I would handle the situation would be, telling the survivors the situation we have found ourselves in, and as such asking them who would be willing to sacrifice themselves for others, including myself in the 15 who will jump overboard.

I believe that individuals should never treat people as a means to an end where the result is our only concern. (Piper 46). Actions often have consequences, and they can be used from various perspectives and respects. To consider an action morally right or wrong, one must be aware of the ethical rules that govern society. I choose to let the people make the decision, whether to volunteer on the survival of 15, or not to. A morally upright decision is the decision that is acceptable by all people as a right.

Therefore, in the case scenario involving the boat, the best ethical and moral decision to take is to come up with a decision that looks at everyone's common good. The way I sow the situation was, living meant baring the pain of allowing 15 people to die and that only if they all make the decision of who should die and live, but as the captain, I don’t think I had a choice but to die. Sacrificing myself first was so that everyone would stay calm but also as a sign of the seriousness of the situation. But also, Survival for me meant going to jail for the death of 15 people, NOo!. References Piper, Adrian MS, et al.

"The Logic of Kant’s Categorical ‘Imperative’." Natur und Freiheit: Akten des XII. Internationalen Kant-Kongresses ): . Ward, Ken. "Social networks, the 2016 US presidential election, and Kantian ethics: applying the categorical imperative to Cambridge Analytica’s behavioral microtargeting." Journal of media ethics 33.): . Swinson Hours Legal Staff Billable Hours Log Employee Name Swanson David Employee Number 6287 Billable Rate Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Dates Worked Hudson 3.5 3...25 Smith 3...5 Aturo 2 2..

Proctor 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 Total Billable Hours Per Day Daily Bill Bill Total for Week Dates Worked Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Hudson 3..5 1 Smith Aturo Proctor 2.. Total Billable Hours Per Day Daily Bill Total Bill Total for Week Stevens Hours Legal Staff Billable Hours Log Employee Name Stevens William Employee Number 4567 Billable Rate $ 125.00 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Dates Worked 8/5/19 8/6/19 8/7/19 8/8/19 8/9/19 8/10/19 8/11/19 Hudson 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 Smith 2..50 Aturo 2.00 1.00 0.50 3.50 1.00 2.00 Proctor 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 Total Billable Hours Per Day 7.75 9.25 6.25 9.25 6.75 7.75 5.75 Daily Bill $ 968.75 $ 1,156.25 $ 781.25 $ 1,156.25 $ 843.75 $ 968.75 $ 718.75 Bill Total for Week $ 6,593.75 Dates Worked Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 8/12/19 8/13/19 8/14/19 8/15/19 8/16/19 8/17/19 8/18/19 Hudson 3..00 2.50 2.50 2.50 Smith 2..00 1.00 Aturo 3.00 2.00 3.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 Proctor 2.25 2.25 2.25 6.00 6.00 6.00 Total Billable Hours Per Day 7.25 7.75 7.25 9.00 9.50 9.50 4.50 Daily Bill Total $ 906.25 $ 968.75 $ 906.25 $ 1,125.00 $ 1,187.50 $ 1,187.50 $ 562.50 Bill Total for Week $ 6,843.75 Week of 8/5/19 Hudson .5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Smith .5 3.5 Aturo .5 3.5 1 2 Proctor .25 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25

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Moral Dilemma: The Ethics of Survival at Sea
In philosophy, a moral dilemma occurs when individuals face a situation where they must choose between two conflicting ethical principles, leading to morally ambiguous outcomes. One of the most frequently discussed moral dilemmas involves the classic "lifeboat" scenario or the "trolley problem," where the decision between sacrifice and survival highlights the complex interplay of utilitarian and deontological ethics.
In the hypothetical situation presented — a boat filled beyond capacity, threatening the lives of its passengers – the role of the captain becomes pivotal. If faced with the choice of preserving the lives of fifteen individuals at the expense of sacrificing oneself, one must consider the broader implications of autonomy and the moral responsibility of leadership.

Understanding Autonomy and Collective Decision-making

In a situation akin to the aforementioned moral dilemma, one crucial ethical consideration is the issue of autonomy — the right of individuals to make decisions affecting their lives. As the captain, it is essential to recognize that treating people as mere means to an end is a significant ethical violation (Piper, 1999). Philosophically, Immanuel Kant emphasized the importance of respecting individuals as ends in themselves, not merely as vehicles for achieving certain outcomes (Ward, 2019). Hence, asking passengers to volunteer for their own sacrifice, instead of making unilateral decisions, respects their autonomy and upholds an essential ethical principle.

Ethical Theories in Context

Two primary ethical frameworks apply to this dilemma: utilitarianism and deontology. Utilitarianism promotes actions that maximize overall happiness or welfare (Mill, 1863). From a utilitarian perspective, it might be rational to sacrifice oneself if it leads to the survival of fifteen others. However, this view doesn't account for individual rights and justice (Smart & Williams, 1973).
Conversely, a deontological approach, inspired by Kant's categorical imperative, would prioritize not using people merely as instruments of greater good (Kant, 1785). From this standpoint, forcing individuals to make sacrifices undermines ethical integrity. Thus, the captain's decision to approach the situation democratically reflects a balance between these two schools of thought.

The Role of Leadership

As captain, the responsibility extends beyond mere navigation; ethical leadership demands transparency and involves all crew members in critical decision-making processes. I would share the situation with the passengers candidly. By openly communicating the dire circumstances and suggesting a voluntary sacrifice approach would, while fraught with emotional distress, empower individuals to make their own choices — aligning with Kantian principles of respect and dignity (Gert, 2005). This transparent decision-making model fosters trust and shared responsibility aboard the lifeboat.

Emotional and Psychological Considerations

In a high-stress situation, individuals must also wrestle with psychological elements impacting their decision-making. The emotional burden of volunteering or witnessing another sacrifice can create turmoil. Each individual responds to moral dilemmas differently based on their values and beliefs (Skitka, 2002). Furthermore, it is essential to create an environment where individuals can express fears, beliefs, and motivations without fear of judgment, highlighting the complex nature of human emotions amid survival instincts.

Balancing Morality with Reality

Another key factor in resolving moral dilemmas is assessing the possible outcomes. Should the collective decision lean towards preserving lives through sacrifice, the aftermath may leave survivors with significant emotional and mental health repercussions (Jenni & Loewenstein, 1997). Since moral choices often lead to psychological consequences, consideration is vital in shaping future ethical behaviors.
The moral concern is not merely about survival but also about how survivors cope with guilt, loss, and remorse post-crisis. Simon's principle of "the overall good” encompasses these emotional intricacies, suggesting the need for integrated frameworks that reconcile moral theories with the lived experiences of those involved in moral dilemmas (Simon, 1988).

Conclusion: A Reflection on Moral Dilemmas

Ultimately, resolving this moral dilemma involves embracing the complexity of human experiences, balancing ethical theories, and acknowledging passengers’ autonomy and emotional states. As captain, my approach would embody the best practices of ethical leadership: facilitating collective decision-making while emphasizing respect for each individual's autonomy and well-being. While this approach does not guarantee a simple resolution, it demonstrates a commitment to fostering a culture of shared responsibility, ethical integrity, and emotional intelligence in high-stress environments.
The lifeboat dilemma presents a compelling exploration of ethical decision-making’s nuances. By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of morality and humanity, individuals might navigate dilemmas more thoughtfully, recognizing that true leadership lies in empathy, respect, and shared moral responsibility.

References

1. Gert, B. (2005). Common Morality: Deciding What to Do. New York: Oxford University Press.
2. Jenni, K. & Loewenstein, G. (1997). Explaining the "Identifiable Victim Effect" in a Full-Information Context. Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 14(3), 235-257.
3. Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
4. Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. London: Parker, Son, and Bourn.
5. Piper, A. M. S., et al. (1999). "The Logic of Kant’s Categorical ‘Imperative’." Natur und Freiheit: Akten des XII. Internationalen Kant-Kongresses.
6. Simon, H. A. (1988). The Sciences of the Artificial. Cambridge: MIT Press.
7. Skitka, L. J. (2002). "Do the Ends Justify the Means? Moral Conviction and the Decision to Engage in Torture." Journal of Ethical Theory and Practice, 23(4), 423-446.
8. Smart, J. J. C. & Williams, B. (1973). Utilitarianism: For and Against. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
9. Ward, K. (2019). "Social Networks, the 2016 US Presidential Election, and Kantian Ethics: Applying the Categorical Imperative." Journal of Media Ethics, 33(1), 55-68.
10. Ziman, J. (2000). Real Science: What It Is, and What It Means. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
This exploration underlines the intricate dance between morality, leadership, and the human condition, illustrating the importance of ethical frameworks in navigating complex decisions.