Ethical dilemmas

Definition

Ethical dilemmas occur when a person faces a situation in which they must choose between two or more conflicting moral principles, making it difficult to determine the right course of action. These situations often involve a clash of values and can lead to significant consequences, requiring careful consideration of the ethical implications of each choice. The complexity of ethical dilemmas lies in the subjective nature of morality, as different individuals or cultures may prioritize different principles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical dilemmas can arise in various contexts, including personal relationships, professional settings, and societal issues, often requiring individuals to weigh competing moral obligations.
2. In resolving ethical dilemmas, individuals may utilize different ethical frameworks, such as consequentialism or deontological ethics, to guide their decision-making process.
3. The resolution of an ethical dilemma is rarely straightforward; individuals may feel emotional turmoil and cognitive dissonance as they grapple with their choices.
4. Cultural norms and societal values can heavily influence how individuals perceive and respond to ethical dilemmas, leading to diverse interpretations of what constitutes a 'right' choice.
5. Discussing and analyzing ethical dilemmas can promote moral reasoning skills, enabling individuals to better navigate complex situations in real life.

Review Questions

• How do conflicting moral principles create ethical dilemmas for individuals?
  • Conflicting moral principles create ethical dilemmas by presenting situations where individuals must choose between two or more values that they hold dear. For instance, a person may struggle between honesty and loyalty when asked to keep a friend's secret that could harm others. The tension between these competing obligations complicates the decision-making process, forcing individuals to evaluate which principle carries more weight in that specific context.
• Discuss the role of ethical frameworks like consequentialism and deontological ethics in resolving ethical dilemmas.
  • Ethical frameworks such as consequentialism and deontological ethics play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate ethical dilemmas. Consequentialism focuses on evaluating the potential outcomes of actions, emphasizing the importance of choosing options that lead to the greatest good for the most people. In contrast, deontological ethics prioritizes adherence to moral duties and rules regardless of consequences. By applying these frameworks, individuals can analyze their choices from different perspectives and arrive at well-reasoned conclusions.
• Evaluate the impact of cultural norms on how ethical dilemmas are perceived and resolved across different societies.
  • Cultural norms significantly shape how ethical dilemmas are perceived and resolved across societies by influencing the values and beliefs that individuals hold. In collectivist cultures, for example, loyalty to family or community may take precedence over individual rights, whereas individualistic cultures might emphasize personal autonomy and self-expression. This cultural context can lead to different interpretations of what is deemed ethically acceptable or unacceptable, ultimately affecting how individuals approach moral decision-making in ethically challenging situations.

Related terms

moral principles: The foundational beliefs or values that guide individuals in determining what is right and wrong.

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

deontological ethics: An ethical framework that focuses on the inherent morality of actions themselves, rather than their consequences.