Values Dilemma
Read the following story, then follow the
instructions.
Lifeboat
You are on holiday on a luxury ocean
going ship. Suddenly a violent storm erupts, and the ship is blown onto a
hidden rocks. It then sinks quickly. You find yourself in the water, but nearby
is a lifeboat. You swim to it and quickly climb aboard as there are now many
sharks nearby who have been attracted by the smell of blood. You check the
lifeboat and find there is fresh water and some food. There is also a first aid
kit, some flares, and a small radio transmitter. Around you in the water you
hear voices calling for help. Who should you help onto the lifeboat first, as
there are only a limited number of spaces, some people will be left behind in
the water and be eaten by the sharks.
The question is ‘who will be left
behind?’
You can only choose 6 from the following
list to save, anymore than that and the
lifeboat will sink and everyone will be eaten by the sharks. Who will be left
behind, and who will be saved?
*Remember 2 people will be left out of
the boat, though it means certain death!
1. The Captain, 58. A very experienced sailor capable of navigating by the
stars alone. Married with 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren. Has a secret
drinking problem.
2. Medical officer, 47. Fully trained with b20 years of experience and service
and an expert in tropical diseases. Separated from his wife and 2 children.
3. Pregnant woman, 32. This woman lost her husband and son when the ship sank
on the reef. She was on her first holiday in five years.
4. Young girl, 12. Both her parents and a younger brother were on board
when the ship hit the reef. They are now missing, presumed drowned or eaten.
She is hysterical.
5. Young sailor, 19. Has only been employed for six weeks. This is his first
cruise, lacks experience at sea but is a good radio operator.
6. Old millionaire, 74. A rich
businessman with a reputation for being ruthless. He was on his way to start up
a new factory in a poor country, that would employ many hundreds of poor, local
people.
7. Scientist, 39. Returning home after five years of intense research in
the jungle, where she has found a cure for Malaria. Has some basic medical
knowledge.
8. Missionary, 56. A nun who has devoted thirty years of her life to
treating lepers in Africa, returning home for a month before taking up a new
post in India.
Task
:
Put the 6 characters you have chosen from
the story into the lifeboat. Put them in order, number 1 being the first person
you would help into the lifeboat, and number 6 being the last one you would
help in. Then explain your reasons for putting them in this order.
Person Reason
1._____________ _____________________________________________
2. _____________ _____________________________________________
3. _____________ _____________________________________________
4. _____________ _____________________________________________
5. _____________ _____________________________________________
6. _____________ _____________________________________________
Shark baits Reason
7. _____________ _____________________________________________
8. _____________ _____________________________________________
