Heinz Dilemma

Definition

The Heinz Dilemma is a moral problem proposed by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, where a man named Heinz must decide whether to steal an expensive drug he cannot afford in order to save his sick wife. This dilemma serves as a tool to assess moral reasoning and illustrates the stages of moral development, highlighting how individuals justify their decisions based on ethical principles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Heinz Dilemma is often used in research to study how individuals reason about ethical issues and make moral choices.
2. Responses to the Heinz Dilemma can indicate which stage of Kohlberg's moral development an individual is operating at, from simple obedience to more complex ethical reasoning.
3. Kohlberg identified six stages of moral development within three levels, each representing increasingly sophisticated reasoning about morality.
4. The dilemma raises important questions about the balance between law and morality, challenging individuals to consider whether breaking the law is justified in certain circumstances.
5. The Heinz Dilemma emphasizes the importance of context and personal values in moral decision-making, showing that different people may arrive at different conclusions based on their ethical beliefs.

Review Questions

• How does the Heinz Dilemma illustrate the different stages of Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development?
  • The Heinz Dilemma illustrates Kohlberg's stages by showing how individuals justify their decisions based on their level of moral reasoning. For example, a person at the pre-conventional level might focus on avoiding punishment for stealing, while someone at the post-conventional level may argue that saving a life outweighs legal concerns. This variation in responses highlights the progression through Kohlberg's stages as individuals reflect on their values and principles.
• Discuss how the Heinz Dilemma can be applied to real-life ethical dilemmas people face today.
  • The Heinz Dilemma serves as a relevant framework for analyzing real-life ethical dilemmas by prompting individuals to consider the consequences of their actions and the moral principles involved. For instance, situations involving access to healthcare or resources can mirror Heinz's decision-making process. By reflecting on personal beliefs and societal values, individuals can better navigate complex moral issues while considering both legal implications and human welfare.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of using the Heinz Dilemma as a measure of moral reasoning in research.
  • Using the Heinz Dilemma as a measure of moral reasoning has its strengths, such as its ability to provoke thoughtful discussion about ethics and reveal an individual's stage of moral development. However, its limitations include potential cultural bias, as responses may vary significantly across different societies based on varying values and norms. Additionally, some critics argue that it oversimplifies complex moral situations by reducing them to a binary choice, potentially overlooking other important factors that influence ethical decision-making.

Related terms

Moral Development: The process through which individuals develop their understanding of morality, including the distinction between right and wrong.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development:

A framework consisting of three main levels—pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional—that outlines how moral reasoning evolves over time.

Ethical Principles: Fundamental concepts that guide moral decision-making, such as justice, fairness, and respect for individuals.