In chapter two, the authors locate their view of moral conflicts within the broader literature on conflict. They observe that our understanding of conflict is still changing, and becoming increasingly sophisticated. They focus on conflict management rather than resolution. In this view, conflict can be beneficial. Chapter three begins this task by examining the structure of moral conflicts.
Moral conflicts arise from moral differences.
By moral differences, the authors mean not simply differences of opinion. Instead they are interested in those differences which stem from incommensurate moral worldviews or differing social realities. Not every moral difference results in a moral conflict. The authors give four features which help to identify moral conflicts. Moral conflicts are intractable and interminable, and are morally and rhetorically attenuated.