Ethical dilemmas

Definition

Ethical dilemmas are situations in which a person faces conflicting moral choices, making it difficult to determine the right course of action. These dilemmas often involve situations where one must choose between two or more competing ethical principles, leading to uncertainty and potential regret. This complexity highlights the importance of evaluating different perspectives and the consequences of decisions in pursuit of ethical living.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical dilemmas often arise in personal, professional, or societal contexts where values conflict.
2. The doctrine of the mean suggests that virtue lies between two extremes, which can be a helpful lens for resolving ethical dilemmas by seeking a balanced approach.
3. Understanding ethical dilemmas can lead to greater awareness of one's values and moral frameworks, helping individuals make more informed decisions.
4. Philosophers throughout history, such as Aristotle, have explored how ethical dilemmas challenge the application of moral theories in real-life situations.
5. Resolving ethical dilemmas often requires critical thinking and reflection on the implications of each choice, emphasizing the complexity of human morality.

Review Questions

• How can the doctrine of the mean assist individuals in navigating ethical dilemmas?
  • The doctrine of the mean promotes finding a balance between extremes, which can guide individuals in resolving ethical dilemmas by encouraging them to consider moderate positions rather than polarized choices. This approach helps to identify a virtuous path that avoids excess or deficiency in actions and intentions. By aiming for moderation, one can evaluate different aspects of a dilemma and make decisions that align with overall moral virtues.
• Discuss the role of consequentialism and deontology in understanding ethical dilemmas and how they might lead to different conclusions.
  • Consequentialism focuses on the outcomes of actions when faced with an ethical dilemma, suggesting that the best choice is the one that leads to the most favorable consequences. In contrast, deontology emphasizes adherence to moral duties and rules regardless of outcomes. This difference means that two individuals facing the same ethical dilemma could arrive at opposite conclusions—one prioritizing results and the other prioritizing principles—leading to varied interpretations of what constitutes a 'right' decision.
• Evaluate how recognizing ethical dilemmas impacts an individual's moral development and decision-making process.
  • Recognizing ethical dilemmas is crucial for personal growth as it prompts individuals to confront their values and beliefs. This self-reflection allows for a deeper understanding of one's moral framework and enhances critical thinking skills necessary for making informed decisions. By engaging with complex ethical situations, individuals learn to navigate conflicts effectively, ultimately fostering a more nuanced approach to morality that can evolve over time as they gain experience and insight.

Related terms

Moral Absolutism: The belief that there are universal moral principles that apply to all individuals, regardless of context or situation.

Consequentialism: An ethical theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of actions based on their outcomes or consequences.

Deontology: An ethical framework that emphasizes the importance of rules and duties in determining moral actions, regardless of the outcomes.