Ethical Dilemma

Definition

An ethical dilemma is a situation in which a person faces conflicting moral principles or values, making it difficult to decide on the right course of action. These dilemmas often arise when individuals must choose between two or more competing ethical standards, leading to uncertainty and potential consequences for those involved. Understanding ethical dilemmas is crucial in navigating the core values and principles that guide professional behavior, as well as applying decision-making models that can help resolve these complex situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical dilemmas often involve scenarios where adhering to one ethical principle may conflict with another, such as client confidentiality versus the duty to protect.
2. Recognizing an ethical dilemma requires a clear understanding of the core values in social work, such as service, social justice, dignity, and worth of the person.
3. The decision-making process in an ethical dilemma typically involves identifying the dilemma, considering the available options, evaluating the potential outcomes, and reflecting on personal and professional values.
4. Different decision-making models exist to help navigate ethical dilemmas, including utilitarianism (which focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number) and deontological ethics (which emphasizes duties and rules).
5. Social workers are often faced with ethical dilemmas that require balancing competing interests and responsibilities, necessitating ongoing education and support to make informed decisions.

Review Questions

• How can recognizing an ethical dilemma enhance a social worker's ability to uphold core values in practice?
  • Recognizing an ethical dilemma allows social workers to critically evaluate their choices in light of core values like service, social justice, and client welfare. When faced with conflicting values, understanding the nature of the dilemma helps practitioners reflect on their responsibilities toward clients and society. This awareness fosters thoughtful decision-making that aligns with professional ethics, ultimately enhancing the quality of service provided.
• Discuss how different decision-making models can be applied when addressing ethical dilemmas in social work.
  • Different decision-making models provide frameworks for approaching ethical dilemmas systematically. For example, a utilitarian approach would evaluate potential actions based on their consequences for the most people involved, while a deontological approach would focus on the moral duties and rights affected by each option. By applying these models, social workers can analyze their decisions through multiple lenses, allowing them to balance competing interests effectively while maintaining their commitment to ethical principles.
• Evaluate the impact of unresolved ethical dilemmas on clients and social work practice as a whole.
  • Unresolved ethical dilemmas can have significant negative impacts on clients, potentially leading to breaches of trust or harmful outcomes if decisions are made without careful consideration. When social workers struggle with ethical dilemmas without resolution, it can undermine the integrity of the profession and erode public confidence in social services. This highlights the importance of clear guidelines and support systems within social work to address such dilemmas effectively and ensure that ethical standards are upheld across practice.

Related terms

Core Values: Fundamental beliefs that guide the behavior and decision-making processes of individuals and organizations, shaping their ethical framework.

Informed Consent: The process of obtaining permission from a client after providing all relevant information regarding the implications of a decision, ensuring they understand the risks and benefits involved.

Decision-Making Model: A structured approach used to evaluate options and make informed choices when faced with ethical dilemmas, often incorporating various ethical principles.