Resolving a moral dilemma presents a clear case where ethical reasoning is neces

Question

Resolving a moral dilemma presents a clear case where ethical reasoning is necessary. Generally, a dilemma is a situation where there is no clear choice between alternatives. A moral dilemma is a dilemma where the content of the choices has some moral import. Consider the following dilemma. Write a very short response paper (200 words maximum) describing what choice you would make and why.

Moral dilemma:

An armed mad-friend?: A good friend of yours has loaned you a firearm for safe keeping. He trusts you and the two of you have a history of shooting at the range. You've also helped each other out through tough situations. One day, he comes to you demanding that you return the gun he loaned you. It's clear that he is wildly agitated, talking about how his girlfriend is cheating on him and that he needs his gun to protect himself immediately. You suspect that he might do something bad, but the gun is his. What should you do?

Explanation / Answer

I would perhaps refrain from handing over the gun to him, if he clearly appeared to be agitated and upset. I would question him why he would require a gun to “protect himself” when his life was clearly under no imminent threat. In fact, I would have a long discussion with him in an attempt to defuse the tension. If he still insisted on taking the gun with him, I would eventually hand it over to him since he is the legal owner. I would however spend time with him or check on him continuously to ensure that he does not take any extreme measure. I would rely on my rapport with him to stop him from taking it in the first place.

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