As an expert in the field of ethics and moral reasoning, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the Heinz dilemma. The Heinz dilemma is a hypothetical scenario used to explore moral reasoning and ethical decision-making. It was popularized by the psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg as part of his theory of moral development. The dilemma is designed to provoke thought and discussion about the nature of morality, the role of rules, and the importance of consequences in ethical decision-making.

Step 1: Explanation in English

The Heinz dilemma presents a moral conflict where an individual must decide between two actions, each with significant ethical implications. The scenario typically goes as follows:

> A woman with a unique cancer is near death and the only drug that can save her is a new form of radium. The drug's inventor, Heinz, refuses to sell it because he wants to make a large profit from it. The drug costs $2,000 to produce, but Heinz is selling it for $10,000, ten times the cost. The woman's husband, Heinz, desperately tries to raise the money and can only get $2,000. He pleads with Heinz to sell it cheaper or let him pay later, but Heinz refuses. In desperation, the husband decides to break into Heinz's laboratory to steal the drug to save his wife's life.

The dilemma raises several ethical questions:


1. The Right to Life vs. Property Rights: Is it morally justifiable for Heinz to steal the drug to save his wife's life, thereby violating Heinz's property rights?

2. Utilitarian Considerations: From a utilitarian perspective, which action produces the greatest good for the greatest number? Is it better to save one life at the cost of violating property rights, or to uphold property rights and potentially let the woman die?

3. Deontological Ethics: From a deontological standpoint, are there absolute moral rules that should not be broken, regardless of the consequences?

4. Virtue Ethics: What virtues are being demonstrated or required by the characters in the dilemma? Would stealing the drug be an act of courage and love, or would it be a failure of justice and integrity?

5. Justice and Fairness: Is it fair for Heinz to charge such a high price for the drug, effectively making it inaccessible to those who cannot afford it?

Kohlberg used this dilemma to assess an individual's level of moral development. According to his theory, individuals progress through six stages of moral reasoning, from a focus on obedience and punishment (Stage 1) to a principled concern for universal ethical principles (Stage 6). The way a person responds to the Heinz dilemma can indicate their stage of moral development.

Step 2: Divider

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Heinz dilemma. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Heinz's dilemma is a frequently used example in many ethics and morality classes. One well-known version of the dilemma, used in Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development, is stated as follows: A woman was on her deathbed.read more >>