This paper notes the basic dilemma of moral choice, action or
intent: it also adds to the debate by a consideration of several lesser points, including different
meanings of “outcome” and the awareness that morals refer to an underpinning value choice. Its
analytic path touches short-term versus long-term perspectives, commonsense, the theoretical debate,
idealism and utilitarianism, equitability, morals and the law, morality and genes, unintended
consequences and paradox of compliance.