Final answer:
In 'The Giver', ethical issues such as altruism, societal control versus individual morality, divine versus secular ethics, and the unpredictability of ethics in the face of innovation are depicted and invite the reader to consider the complexities and dilemmas of a highly controlled society.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several ethical issues in 'The Giver' that can be explored. The narrative raises questions about the morality of a society that controls emotions, memories, and life choices to the extent it does in the story. Altruism and selflessness are ethical considerations highlighted by the book, suggesting that there may be a moral imperative to act in the service of others. Moreover, 'The Giver' prompts reflection on ethical dilemmas, wherein characters must decide between following society's strict rules and their own moral compasses, much like the philosophical questions of whether to protect a family member who has committed a crime or to uphold the truth and follow the law.
In the discussion of ethics from a Divine or secular viewpoint, the story presents a society that has ostensibly removed deeper religious motivations behind ethical decisions, instead constructing its own set of rules and principles. This aspect could lead to debates on whether ethics are innate and universal or constructed and variable. Lastly, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that ethical challenges often arise with new innovations and situations, indicating that even a controlled society cannot entirely predict moral conflicts.