Heinz Dilemma - Kohlberg's stages of Moral Development (Interactive Animation)

Summary

In a gripping dilemma, H's wife is on the brink of death due to a rare cancer. The only hope is a costly new drug, priced at ten times its production cost, by a local pharmaceutical company. Despite H's desperate attempts to raise funds and plead with the CEO for leniency, the company stands firm on its pricing. The script poses a moral question: should H steal the drug to save his wife, potentially facing legal consequences, or accept the harsh reality?

Takeaways

• 💊 The dilemma revolves around a life-saving drug for a special kind of cancer.
• 🏭 The drug is produced by a local pharmaceutical company that charges exorbitantly high prices.
• 🏥 The cost of the drug is 10 times its production cost, making it unaffordable for many.
• 🙍‍♂️ Hein, the protagonist, is desperate to save his wife and seeks help from everyone he knows.
• 💸 Hein can only gather half the amount needed to purchase the drug.
• 🙅‍♂️ The CEO of the pharmaceutical company refuses to lower the price, citing high research costs and the need for profit.
• 🤔 The script poses a moral question: should Hein steal the drug to save his wife's life?
• 🚫 The option of Hein stealing the drug and accepting legal consequences is presented.
• 🏃‍♂️ Another option suggests Hein should steal the drug but somehow avoid prison, hinting at an unfair justice system.
• 🤝 The script implies the need for a broader discussion on the ethics of drug pricing and accessibility.

Q & A

What is the main problem Hein is facing in the script?

Hein's wife is dying due to a special kind of cancer, and there is only one expensive drug that might save her.

Why is the drug so expensive according to the script?

The drug is expensive because it is a new formula and the production cost is high, plus the pharmaceutical company needs to make a profit after incurring high research costs.

What does Hein do to try to afford the drug for his wife?

Hein goes to everyone he knows to borrow money, but he can only collect half of what the drug costs.

How does the CEO of the pharmaceutical company respond to Hein's plea?

The CEO refuses to sell the drug for less or make any exceptions, stating that the research has been very expensive and the company needs to turn a profit.

What are the three options presented for what Hein should do next?

The options are: Hein should not steal the drug as it would be breaking the law; Hein should steal the drug and accept any prison sentence; Hein should steal the drug but not go to prison as that would be unfair.

What moral dilemma does Hein face in the script?

Hein faces a moral dilemma of whether to steal the drug to save his wife's life or to abide by the law and potentially lose her.

What does the script imply about the pharmaceutical industry's pricing practices?

The script implies that the pharmaceutical industry may prioritize profits over patient needs by setting high prices for life-saving drugs.

How does the script portray the CEO's stance on the pricing of the drug?

The script portrays the CEO as unyielding and focused on the company's financial interests, unwilling to compromise on the drug's price.

What ethical considerations are raised by the script regarding the availability of life-saving drugs?

The script raises ethical considerations about the balance between a company's right to profit and a patient's right to affordable healthcare.

What is the underlying theme of the script regarding the cost of healthcare?

The underlying theme of the script is the critical issue of accessibility and affordability of healthcare, especially for those in need of expensive treatments.

How does the script challenge the audience to think about the consequences of their actions?

The script challenges the audience to consider the moral and legal consequences of Hein's potential actions and the broader implications for society.