Question

A poor man has tried every legal means possible to get the medicine that will save his child’s life. He is placed in a situation where it would be easy to steal enough money to purchase the medicine, and he is unlikely to be caught.

Which kind of dilemma does this incident represent?

moral

generational

technical

cultural

Answer 1

The answer is A: moral dilemma.

A moral dilemma is an ethical problem that makes a person hesitate between two different paths of action illustrated by two exclusive moral imperatives which contradict each other. In this case, the man must either follow the moral imperative to care for his offspring or follow the social mandate and imperative that prohibits stealing, regardless of the consequences.