Why Rules
Why Rules
What is a dilemma?
Dilemmas are experiences where an agent is confused about the right
decision to make because there are several competing values that are
seemingly equally important and urgent.
Case:
Ramon, a Grade 5 honor student at an all-boys’ Grade School allows Jose, a large, burly boy
seated next to him, to peek at his math quarterly exam. Unfortunately, Teacher sees this and
immediately gives both boys a failing mark for the quarter exam. Ramon feels that a great
injustice has been committed; that Jose should have been punished more severely than him.
“…the morally right thing to do, in any circumstance, is determined by what there are
the best reasons for doing.” James Rachel
DILEMMAS
Impartiality Defined
Every stakeholder’s interest is equally important
There are no special interests or people, thus in making every moral decision, each
stakeholder interest should be considered
One must not be arbitrary
Every person should be treated the same way unless there is good reason not do so