What is a dilemma in ethics?
An ethical dilemma (ethical paradox or moral dilemma) is a problem in the decision-making process between two possible options, neither of which is absolutely acceptable from an ethical perspective.
A moral (ethical) dilemma is a situation that involves a choice, decision, act/action, solution that may include an unpleasant problem or situation where you feel you simply do not know what to do or which way to turn.
A dilemma is a difficult situation in which you have to choose between two or more alternatives. He was faced with the dilemma of whether or not to return to his country. The issue raises a moral dilemma. Synonyms: predicament, problem, difficulty, spot [informal] More Synonyms of dilemma. 2.
An ethical dilemma is a paradox that comes up when there are two or more options, but neither of them are the best ethical or moral option. False accounting, sexual harassment, data privacy, nepotism, discrimination—these are just some of the ethical dilemmas that happen in today's workplace.
Rushworth Kidder, founder of the US-based Institute for Global Ethics, recognises four types of ethical dilemma: short-term versus long-term, individual versus community, truth versus loyalty and justice versus mercy. In addition, the triple bottom line represents a fifth source of ethical dilemmas.
A dilemma, in the most general sense, is a situation that requires a choice between two options that are (or seem to be) equally undesirable or unsatisfactory. There are nonmoral dilemmas, in which the choice is between options that are undesirable or unsatisfactory for reasons other than morality.
A personal dilemma is an extremely difficult situation for someone to handle. A classic example is deciding which parent to live with. Another classic example of a personal dilemma is someone deciding whether to let their family starve or steal bread from someone else.
An ethical dilemma describes a conflict between two morally correct courses of action. There is a conflict between values or principles. The dilemma is that you would be doing something right and wrong at the same time, and by taking one right course you will negate the other right course.
noun. a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives. any difficult or perplexing situation or problem.
A dilemma is a difficult choice between unattractive alternatives. A problem is a situation that must be resolved somehow.
How do you handle an ethical dilemma?
- Recognize the ethical dilemma.
- Identify points of view.
- Gather resources and assistance.
- Have a plan.
- Take action based on ethical standards.
When answering questions about ethical dilemmas, it is important to acknowledge both points of view. However, be sure to decisively choose one point of view that you support and explain why you chose that path. This is another way problem solving abilities and decision making skills can be incorporated into an answer.
- Name the dilemma for yourself. The first step is to identify the dilemma you face. ...
- Identify the interests you want to meet. ...
- Identify the assumptions embedded in the dilemma that keep the needs from being met. ...
- Describe the dilemma to others.
There are three main types of ethical issues: Utilitarian, Deontological, and Virtue. Utilitarian ethics focus on the consequences of an action, while deontological ethics focus on the act itself. Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the person acting.
- Classic Dilemma. Choose between two or more alternatives. In which the outcomes are equally undesirable, or equally favorable. ...
- Ethical Dilemma. Arises when a person is forced to decide between two morally sound options, but they may conflict with. ...
- Moral Dilemma.
A working definition of dilemma can be given: A particular type of predicament, which is experienced by everyone at some time or another and which occurs when the pressing alternatives available to us, or serious obligations we face, seem so evenly balanced that it is hard, and sometimes impossible, to make a choice.
The term "dilemma" originally meant an argument with two major premisses (hence two "lemmas"). It has come to mean an argument made up of two hypothetical statements, and a choice between their antecedents. The classic structure of a dilemma can be represented as follows: If A, then B. If C, then D.
The ethical decision- making process for an ethical issue such as this should occur quickly, leading to an easy resolution, since there is no conflict between principles. Typically, an ethical dilemma, on the other hand, exists when two or more ethical principles or standards are conflicting with each other.
Dilemma meansa difficult situation or problem. Confusion means uncertainty about what is happening, intended, or required. Hence, the correct synonym of 'dilemma' is option D) Confusion.
Examples of dilemma in a Sentence
We're facing a terrible dilemma. I don't know what to do; it's a real dilemma.
Can I say I have a dilemma?
The traditional use is "to be in a dilemma" but in recent times, the usage "to have a dilemma" has become more common. As this Google Ngram shows, the form "in a dilemma" is from 6 to 30 times more common than the sum of the "has/have a dilemma"" forms. The form with "in" is clearly favored.
Dilemma does not mean simply a problem; it means a choice between disagreeable alternatives. — The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage, 2015.
A moral dilemma exists when available choices and obligations do not allow for moral outcomes. In such instances, a choice or an action is anticipated or required, and all of the available alternatives violate some moral obligation.
One promising approach stems from a school of thought known as “Dilemma Theory.” A dilemma is a choice between two options, both of which are attractive but appear to be mutually exclusive: an “either/or” scenario.
Examples of Moral Dilemmas
You are a passenger on a sinking cruise ship with your significant other and your daughter. You have a lifeboat, but there is only room for two of you. The person who does not get on the lifeboat will surely drown. Who do you decide to put on the lifeboat?
