Heinz Dilemma

Definition

The Heinz Dilemma is a moral dilemma that presents a scenario where a man named Heinz must decide whether to steal an expensive drug to save his sick wife, who cannot afford it. This situation raises questions about ethics, legality, and the conflict between moral values and societal laws, making it a key example in discussions about ethical reasoning and moral dilemmas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Heinz Dilemma is often used in psychological studies to assess moral reasoning and decision-making processes.
2. Responses to the dilemma can reveal a person's stage of moral development according to Kohlberg's theory, which emphasizes the progression from obedience to societal norms to higher ethical principles.
3. Different ethical theories, such as utilitarianism and deontological ethics, can lead to contrasting conclusions about what Heinz should do.
4. The dilemma highlights the tension between legal obligations and moral imperatives, provoking thought on when it may be justifiable to break the law for a greater good.
5. Heinz Dilemma scenarios can evoke diverse opinions, demonstrating how personal values, cultural background, and situational context influence ethical decision-making.

Review Questions

• How does the Heinz Dilemma illustrate the differences between various ethical theories?
  • The Heinz Dilemma showcases how different ethical frameworks can lead to varying conclusions. For example, a utilitarian might argue that stealing the drug is justified because it saves a life and maximizes overall happiness. In contrast, a deontologist might contend that stealing is inherently wrong regardless of the circumstances. By analyzing this dilemma through these lenses, one can see how moral reasoning varies based on underlying principles.
• Discuss how Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development apply to responses given to the Heinz Dilemma.
  • Kohlberg's theory posits that individuals progress through different stages of moral reasoning. When faced with the Heinz Dilemma, responses can reflect stages from simple obedience to authority (Stage 1) to adherence to social contracts (Stage 5) or even principled conscience (Stage 6). Analyzing how individuals justify their choices in this scenario reveals their cognitive development regarding ethics and morality.
• Evaluate the implications of the Heinz Dilemma for real-life ethical decision-making in medical or legal contexts.
  • The Heinz Dilemma emphasizes the complexities involved in real-life ethical decisions, particularly in fields like medicine and law. For instance, healthcare professionals may face similar situations where they must balance legal obligations with the imperative to save lives. The dilemma raises critical questions about the justification for breaking laws or protocols in urgent situations and how personal morals influence professional responsibilities. This evaluation can guide discussions on reforming policies or addressing ethical dilemmas effectively in practice.

Related terms

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development: A theory proposed by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg that outlines the stages individuals go through in their moral reasoning, which can be illustrated through dilemmas like the Heinz Dilemma.

Utilitarianism:

An ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility, often discussed in relation to moral dilemmas.

Deontological Ethics: An ethical approach that focuses on rules and duties, suggesting that some actions are morally required or forbidden regardless of their consequences.