With regard to each of the following cases, answer several questions. First, what is the moral dilemma (or dilemmas)? In stating the dilemma, make explicit the competing moral reasons involved-for example, rights, responsibilities, duties, good consequences, or admirable features of character (virtues). Second, are there any concepts (ideas) involved in dealing with the moral issues that it would be useful to clarify? Third, what factual inquiries do you think might be needed in making a reliable judgment about the case? Fourth, what are the options you see available for solving the dilemma? Fifth, which of these options is required (obligatory, all things considered) or permissible (all right)?
An aerospace engineer is volunteering as a mentor for a high school team competing in a national contest to build a robot that straightens boxes. The plan was to help the students on weekends for at most 8 to 10 hours. As the national competition nears, the robot's motor overheats and the engine burns out. He wants to help the dispirited students, and believes his mentoring commitment requires he do more. But doing so would involve additional evening work that could potentially harm his work, if not his family.