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.
Pearce and Littlejohn view moral conflicts as a form of communication. Communication is a process of making or doing something, and a process of coordination. Communication is always contextual. By drawing on these basic principles of communication, the authors hope to provide ways to transform moral conflicts. Part Two develops new communication patterns which may improve the quality of moral conflict.