Moral Dilemmas Process Paper
Read:
A moral dilemma is defined as a situation in which each possible course of action would force
an action that in other contexts would be deemed immoral or unethical; in other words, being
forced to choose between 2 equally undesirable outcomes. The characters in many fiction works
are placed in moral dilemmas and the plot revolves around the conflict which arises due to this
dilemma, and of course, the resolution of that conflict. Of Mice and Men and The Dark Knight
are two examples of such fiction works.
Think:
How do we define the morals/ethics that would be the basis for a moral dilemma? How are
dilemmas the same? Different? Do moral dilemmas and our handling of them teach us lessons
about humanity, society, and/or ourselves?
Write:
In a well-developed essay discuss at least 4 moral dilemmas faced by 4 of the following
characters: Candy, George, Lennie, Slim, or Curley from OMM, Batman/Bruce Wayne,
Commissioner Gordon, The Joker, the citizens of Gotham, or Harvey Dent from TDK.
(*Note: you must discuss both OMM and TDK in your essay)
For each dilemma discuss the dilemma, the outcome, and the lesson learned. The conclusion of
your essay should include which character you believed had the most difficult decision to make
and what made that dilemma different than the others.
Suggested Outline:
*Introduction
*Moral Dilemma #1
*Moral Dilemma #2
*Moral Dilemma #3
*Moral Dilemma #4
*Conclusion-discuss most difficult decision (contrast)
Reminders:
*Follow MLA format (typed, double spaced, heading, title, etc)
*Provide in-text citations for all summarized, paraphrased, or quoted material
*Provide an MLA format Works Cited page
*Look at the rubric closely to insure you have everything you need!
Moral Dilemma Expository Essay
Formatting
__________/5
Introduction
__________/5
Thesis
__________/5
Moral Dilemma #1
Topic Sentence
__________/3
Quality of Evidence
__________/4
Commentary
__________/4
Moral Dilemma #2
Topic Sentence
__________/3
Quality of Evidence
__________/4
Commentary
__________/4
Moral Dilemma #3
Topic Sentence
__________/3
Quality of Evidence
__________/4
Commentary
__________/4
Moral Dilemma #4
Topic Sentence
__________/3
Quality of Evidence
__________/4
Commentary
__________/4
Conclusion
__________/10
In-Text Citations
__________/10
Works Cited Page
__________/10
Grammar, Usage, Mechanics
__________/5
Answer to the Question/Connections made
__________/6
TOTAL: ____________