Ethical dilemmas

Definition

An ethical dilemma is a situation in which a person faces conflicting moral principles, making it challenging to decide on the right course of action. These dilemmas often require individuals to weigh their values against each other and consider the consequences of their choices, leading to a complex decision-making process. In narratives, such dilemmas are crucial as they often reveal characters' true motivations and moral compass, highlighting the tension between personal beliefs and societal expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical dilemmas are often central to the development of tragic characters, revealing their internal struggles and moral conflicts.
2. In Greek tragedy, protagonists frequently face ethical dilemmas that lead to their hamartia, or tragic flaws, which propel the narrative forward.
3. The resolution of ethical dilemmas in tragedies often results in significant consequences for both the characters involved and the society around them.
4. These dilemmas illustrate the complexity of human nature and challenge the audience to consider their own ethical beliefs and values.
5. Ethical dilemmas in literature can serve as a catalyst for discussion about morality, justice, and the human experience.

Review Questions

• How do ethical dilemmas contribute to character development in Greek tragedies?
  • Ethical dilemmas are pivotal in shaping character development in Greek tragedies as they reveal inner conflicts and moral struggles. When protagonists face these dilemmas, it allows audiences to witness their decision-making process, exposing their values and weaknesses. These moments of crisis often lead to hamartia, reinforcing the idea that flawed decisions can result in tragic outcomes.
• Discuss how ethical dilemmas reflect societal norms and values in Greek tragedies.
  • Ethical dilemmas in Greek tragedies often mirror the societal norms and values of the time. Characters grapple with choices that not only affect their personal lives but also resonate with broader cultural expectations. By presenting these conflicts, tragedies challenge audiences to reflect on their own moral standards and question the implications of societal pressures on individual decisions.
• Evaluate the impact of ethical dilemmas on the resolution of tragic plots in Greek drama.
  • Ethical dilemmas play a crucial role in driving the resolution of tragic plots within Greek drama. These conflicts often lead characters toward irreversible choices that culminate in their downfall, illustrating the tragic consequences of moral ambiguity. The interplay between ethical dilemmas and plot resolution emphasizes the inevitability of fate and challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about morality, human nature, and the repercussions of their choices.

Related terms

Moral conflict: A situation where an individual experiences opposing moral values, leading to confusion or difficulty in making a decision.

Consequentialism: An ethical theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on its outcomes or consequences.

Deontology: An ethical approach that focuses on the adherence to rules or duties rather than the outcomes of actions.