Moral DilemmasRodopi, 1995 - 174 pages Moral dilemmas set a challenge for ethical theory. They are situations where agents seem to be under an obligation both to do, and to refrain from doing, a specific act. Are such situations possible? What is their exact nature? These are the questions that Moral Dilemmas tries to answer. The book argues that moral theories should not allow for the possibility of irresolvable dilemmas, for situations in which no right answer exists. To this end, arguments seeking to prove the existence of irresolvable dilemmas, especially the argument from the incommensurability of values, are discussed at length and refuted. The book shows that though on the normative level dilemmas are resolved, they typically involve a high moral cost for which there is no adequate compensation. This moral cost is the source of the regret and pain suffered by agents in moral dilemmas. Thus, moral dilemmas do not point to any inconsistency in our moral reasoning or theory, but to a problematic aspect of the human condition; at times (probably less often than is usually believed), human beings are justified, and even required, to dirty their hands by behaving in ways that in ordinary situations would be strictly forbidden and condemned. |
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according Agamemnon agents in moral argues argument Axiology believe cancellation Chapter choice choose circumstances claim concept conflicts between incommensurables course of action decision deny deontic logic dirty hands discussion distinction Dworkin entail ethical theories evil example explained expresses facie duty fact feelings fulfill genuine moral dilemmas guilt guilt-feelings hard Hence human ibid idea imperfect duties imply incommensurability of values incommensurable values incompatible instance interpretation involve irresolvable dilemmas justified Marcus McConnell meaning meta-ethical moral conflicts moral considerations moral luck moral realism moral skepticism moral theory Nagel necessarily normative objection overridden duty overrides person Philippa Foot philosophers possibility presuppose prima facie duty principle problem promise question rational reality of dilemmas reality of moral refer refute regret rejected relevant right answer exists right thing Ross rough equality sense situations Sophie's Choice Statman symmetrical thesis things considered tragic Tranøy utilitarian valid Williams wrong