Questions of right and wrong have as many answers as there are people to experience them, now, with PBS’s special “Endgame: Ethics and Values in America.” In the show a live audience and at-home viewers can discuss their points of view.

The special on moral and controversial issues will air Wednesday on Iowa Public Television at 8 p.m.

“There has never been a TV show like this,” says Scott Goldstein, the show’s creator and executive producer. “It combines a live audience, live TV, drama and interactivity.”

Goldstein has won two Emmy Awards and produced for shows such as “Today Show,” “L.A. Law” and “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” but with this time he’s doing something different.

“Endgame” will begin with a fifteen-minute original film portraying an ethical situation. Although the mini-drama depicts real-life situations, the characters are played by actors. Goldstein says the film attempts to raise important questions such as:

Is it ever right to do something wrong when the outcome is good?

When would you turn in a friend?

What would people really do when no one is looking?

During the show’s next 45 minutes, a panel discussion and a live audience will discuss the moral, ethical and social implications of the drama, while viewers watching at home can offer online input.

“There’s nothing incompatible with thinking hard while being entertained,” says Michael Bishop, associate professor and chairman of philosophy and religious studies. “The hardest moral questions are the results of dramatic episodes in our lives.”

The panel includes ethicist Michael Josephson; David Kaczynski, brother of Unabomber Ted Kaczynski; and Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Endgame is hosted by Peabody Award- and Emmy Award-winning journalist Carol Marin.

“It’s going to be very interactive,” says Elizabeth Williams, communications specialist for Iowa Public Television.

Throughout the program viewers are asked various questions about what they would have done in similar situations, and whether they agree with the characters.

At-home participants are encouraged to post their answers online at the show’s Web site, www.pbs.org/endgame.

The results of their answers will be televised live, raising and creating more questions and discussion.

“It is not a show that preaches, but it is a show that raises very important questions for people to think about,” says Goldstein.

Bishop, the ISU professor, sees promise in the idea of the show, but doesn’t know how it will turn out.

“I can see it being badly done,” he says.”If it raises important questions that arise in people’s lives and if it helps people to think clearly about moral issues, then it’s a great idea.”

No matter the outcome, Williams sees the show as an interesting opportunity.

“I think people will find the show intriguing at the very least,” she says.