Ethical dilemma

Definition

An ethical dilemma is a situation in which a person faces conflicting moral choices, where any available option may lead to undesirable outcomes. It often involves weighing the consequences of different actions, where principles such as honesty, loyalty, and fairness may clash. Understanding ethical dilemmas is crucial in making informed and responsible decisions that align with one's values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical dilemmas often arise in complex situations where there is no clear right or wrong answer, making decision-making challenging.
2. Common examples of ethical dilemmas include situations involving confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
3. The resolution of an ethical dilemma may require individuals to prioritize their values, leading to potential discomfort or moral distress.
4. Different ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism and deontological ethics, can influence how individuals approach and resolve ethical dilemmas.
5. Ethical dilemmas are not just theoretical; they occur in real-world scenarios across various fields, including business, healthcare, and law.

Review Questions

• How can understanding ethical dilemmas improve decision-making in personal and professional contexts?
  • Understanding ethical dilemmas helps individuals identify when they face conflicting moral choices, allowing them to analyze their options more critically. By recognizing the complexity of these situations, people can consider the implications of their decisions on themselves and others. This awareness promotes responsible decision-making and encourages adherence to one's values, ultimately leading to better outcomes in both personal relationships and professional environments.
• Discuss how different ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism and deontological ethics, can lead to varying resolutions of an ethical dilemma.
  • Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness or utility, which might lead to a resolution that prioritizes the greatest good for the most people. In contrast, deontological ethics emphasizes following rules and duties regardless of the consequences, potentially leading to decisions that uphold strict moral principles. These differing perspectives can significantly affect how individuals navigate ethical dilemmas, resulting in diverse outcomes based on which framework they choose to apply.
• Evaluate the impact of unresolved ethical dilemmas on individuals and organizations in today's society.
  • Unresolved ethical dilemmas can create significant consequences for both individuals and organizations. For individuals, it may lead to feelings of moral distress or conflict that can affect mental health and decision-making abilities. For organizations, failure to address ethical dilemmas can damage reputation, erode trust among stakeholders, and result in legal repercussions. By fostering a culture that encourages open discussions about ethical issues, organizations can better navigate these challenges and promote a more ethical environment.

Related terms

Moral conflict: A scenario in which an individual experiences difficulty in choosing between two or more competing ethical principles.

Utilitarianism:

An ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people.

Deontological ethics:

An ethical framework that emphasizes the importance of following rules and duties when making moral decisions, regardless of the consequences.