Different Approaches to a Moral Dilemma

Different Approaches to a Moral Dilemma

Miniaci Performing Arts Center

The purpose of this philosophical analysis was to demonstrate some of the different viewpoints that can be used to evaluate a moral dilemma. The moral dilemma discussed in this paper involves keeping a promise. Jeffrey, best friend and cousin of Elijah, made a promise to Elijah to keep to a certain piece of information confidential, which went against his beliefs and values. Jeffrey was faced with a problem that seems to have only two options: breaking the promise and doing what was right, or keeping the promise and ultimately his cousin’s friendship. In discussing these two options that Jeffrey had, four viewpoints were used to illustrate the pros and cons of each option. Finally, one analysis was chosen and argued for as being the superior of the four viewpoints presented.