Ethical Dilemma

The case study presents a moral dilemma based on potential harm to innocent people. By using Kohlberg’s moral development model and by examining major ethical systems, namely deontology and utilitarianism, a clear understanding of the factors influencing this type of decision-making can be gained. Specifically, utilitarianism, Kant’s categorical imperative and the doctrine of double effect address the decision from differing viewpoints, providing the decision maker with compelling evidence to support both angles of the ethical and moral dilemma presented in the decision at hand. A decision can then be made if it is considered morally justified, depending on the model used to make the decision. Often the solution of an ethical dilemma would mean choosing what would result in the greatest good. However, it would not be a dilemma if it was an easy decision to make. Thus, the decision maker must ensure that the scenario is examined from every angle to ensure the correct decision is made. Pojman and Fieser (2009) state that there are four domains of ethical assessment; the action, consequence, character, and motive. These domains clearly show that morals and ethics have more than observed behavior and each domain takes on a more or less important value depending on the chosen ethical theory. In this case study, the reader is challenged to put themselves into the role as the acting Commanding Officer (A/CO) of a submarine. The submarine has been the victim of a torpedo attack and the engineering compartment is filling with water. Three of the crew attempted to stop the flood and are stuck inside. If the water tight hatch to the engineering compartment does not get closed, resulting in trapping the three men, then the submarine will sink to such a level that the pressure will crush the submarine and kill all on board. If they close the hatch then the three men will quickly perish and the rest of the crew will presumably survive. As the A/CO the decision whether or not

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