Moral Development

Argumentative Essay # 107911

Ethics

Moral Development

A discussion of whether acts can be considered just, when they may not be moral.

2,873 words () | 14 sources | APA | 2008 Australia

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses moral development and whether acts can be categorized as just or unjust. The paper presents examples of particular acts, such as stealing medication to save a dying person and discusses them in terms of morality and justice. The paper suggests that each act must be looked at on an individual basis and extenuating circumstances should be taken into account.

From the Paper:

"In examining these teachings, we examine Heinz's moral dilemma: if Heinz did not steal the medications from the pharmacy, then his wife is at risk of dying. Would it then be justifiable to steal the medications instead? The religious teachings tell us that there is no room for actions that are outright immoral: stealing certainly inflicts injustice to the pharmacist. However, one should realise that Heinz and his wife are in a state of injustice themselves. Poverty is a state of injustice. Deprivation is a form of inequality in our society. Moreover, the fact that they are poor and have no immediate means to obtain the medication deprives them of their basic right to health and life. These are two of the natural rights of humans emphasised by Locke. On the other hand, there is nothing in the situation that states if Heinz has asked his government for help: has his government failed to help him by not providing him with whatever medicine his wife can use? Has he asked for help from other people or institutions that may be able to help?"

Sample of Sources Used:

BBC. (2008). The case against Caiaphas. [Online.] Retrieved 1 September 2008 from the Web site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/history/whokilledjesus_1.shtml
Bradley, M. (2008). Bible 10 Commandments List. [Online.] Retrieved 3 September 2008 from the Web site: http://www.bible-knowledge.com/10-Commandments.html
BuddhaNet. (2008). A Basic Buddhism Guide: Buddhist Ethics. [Online.] Retrieved 3 September 2008 from the Web site: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/budethics.htm
Dodson, K. E. (1 October 2003). "Kant's socialism: a philosophical reconstruction." Social Theory and Practice, 24(9): 525-538.
Dolhenty, J. (2003). John Locke, Philosopher of Liberty. [Online.] Retrieved 4 October 2008 from the Web site: http://radicalacademy.com/lockebio.htm