Ethical Dilemma

Definition

An ethical dilemma is a situation where an individual is faced with a difficult choice between two or more actions, each of which has moral implications and consequences. It involves a conflict between moral principles or values, making it challenging to determine the most ethical course of action.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical dilemmas often arise when there is a conflict between an individual's personal values, professional responsibilities, and the needs or interests of others.
2. Resolving an ethical dilemma requires carefully weighing the potential consequences of each course of action and considering the broader implications for stakeholders.
3. Whistleblowing, where an employee reports unethical or illegal practices within their organization, can be an ethical dilemma as it may involve a conflict between loyalty to the company and a moral obligation to expose wrongdoing.
4. Becoming an ethical professional involves developing a strong moral compass, a commitment to ethical principles, and the courage to make difficult decisions in the face of ethical dilemmas.
5. Committing to an ethical view requires the ability to critically analyze ethical frameworks, consider multiple perspectives, and make principled decisions that uphold moral values.

Review Questions

• Explain how an ethical dilemma can arise in the context of being a professional of integrity.
  • As a professional of integrity, an individual may face situations where their personal values and ethical principles come into conflict with the expectations or practices of their organization. For example, a healthcare professional may be torn between their duty to protect patient confidentiality and the need to report suspected abuse or neglect. Resolving such an ethical dilemma requires carefully weighing the competing moral obligations and making a decision that upholds the highest ethical standards, even if it means going against the wishes of the organization or superiors.
• Describe how an ethical dilemma can arise in the context of criticism of the company and whistleblowing.
  • When an employee becomes aware of unethical or illegal practices within their organization, they may face an ethical dilemma regarding whether to report the wrongdoing or remain silent. Whistleblowing can be an act of moral courage, as it involves a conflict between the employee's loyalty to the company and their ethical obligation to expose misconduct. However, the decision to become a whistleblower can also have significant personal and professional consequences, such as retaliation or loss of employment. Resolving this ethical dilemma requires the employee to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits, as well as the moral principles at stake, in order to determine the most ethical course of action.
• Analyze how committing to an ethical view and becoming an ethical professional can help an individual navigate ethical dilemmas.
  • Committing to an ethical view and becoming an ethical professional involves developing a strong moral framework, critical thinking skills, and the courage to make difficult decisions. By deeply understanding and internalizing ethical principles, such as justice, beneficence, and respect for persons, individuals can more effectively navigate ethical dilemmas. This involves carefully analyzing the situation, considering multiple perspectives, and making principled decisions that uphold moral values, even when it may be challenging or unpopular. Becoming an ethical professional also requires a willingness to challenge unethical practices and a commitment to maintaining personal and professional integrity, which can be essential in resolving complex ethical dilemmas.

Related terms

Moral Reasoning: The process of carefully considering the ethical implications and principles involved in a situation to determine the most morally justifiable course of action.

Ethical Framework: A set of ethical principles, values, and guidelines that provide a structure for evaluating and resolving ethical dilemmas.

Moral Conflict: A situation where two or more moral principles or values come into tension, making it difficult to determine the right thing to do.