Heinz Dilemma

Definition

The Heinz Dilemma is a moral thought experiment created by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg that presents a scenario in which a man named Heinz must decide whether to steal a drug he cannot afford to buy in order to save his sick wife. This dilemma is used to assess moral reasoning and the stages of moral development, as it highlights the conflicts between legal obligation and personal morality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Heinz Dilemma illustrates the conflict between ethical principles such as compassion and justice, providing insight into how individuals prioritize these values in decision-making.
2. Kohlberg identified three main levels of moral reasoning: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, with each level containing two stages that reflect different ways of thinking about morality.
3. Responses to the Heinz Dilemma can reveal an individual's stage of moral development, with higher stages reflecting more sophisticated ethical reasoning and consideration of broader societal implications.
4. Kohlberg's research showed that many people do not progress beyond the conventional level of moral reasoning, where decisions are primarily based on social norms and expectations.
5. The Heinz Dilemma remains a foundational example in moral psychology and education, often used in discussions about ethics in various fields such as law, medicine, and social justice.

Review Questions

• How does the Heinz Dilemma illustrate the different levels of moral reasoning proposed by Kohlberg?
  • The Heinz Dilemma serves as a practical illustration of Kohlberg's three levels of moral reasoning. At the pre-conventional level, individuals might focus on self-interest or punishment avoidance when deciding whether Heinz should steal the drug. In contrast, those at the conventional level would consider societal rules and the impact on Heinz's reputation. Finally, individuals at the post-conventional level would evaluate the moral principles involved, potentially justifying theft to save a life despite legal consequences.
• In what ways can responses to the Heinz Dilemma reflect an individual's values and societal influences on moral development?
  • Responses to the Heinz Dilemma can reveal how an individual's values are shaped by both personal experiences and societal influences. For example, someone raised in a culture that emphasizes community welfare may prioritize saving life over strict adherence to laws. Conversely, an individual from a more individualistic background may focus on legal ramifications. These differences highlight how varying cultural contexts can lead to distinct interpretations of moral dilemmas.
• Evaluate the significance of the Heinz Dilemma in understanding moral development and ethical decision-making across different cultures.
  • The significance of the Heinz Dilemma lies in its ability to illuminate how individuals across various cultures approach ethical decision-making. By analyzing responses from diverse backgrounds, researchers can uncover insights into cultural values surrounding morality, such as collectivism versus individualism. This evaluation not only enhances our understanding of Kohlberg's theory but also prompts discussions on how cultural narratives influence moral reasoning, revealing potential biases within traditional Western frameworks of ethics.

Related terms

Moral Development: The process through which individuals develop their understanding of right and wrong, influenced by various factors including culture, education, and experiences.

Stages of Development: A framework proposed by Kohlberg that outlines different levels of moral reasoning, ranging from basic obedience to societal norms and universal ethical principles.

Ethical Reasoning: The cognitive process of determining what is right or wrong in a given situation, often influenced by personal values, societal standards, and philosophical principles.