Ethical dilemma
Ethical Dilemma
An Ethical Dilemma (pronunciation: /ˈɛθɪkəl dɪˈlɛmə/) is a complex situation that often involves a perceived moral conflict between moral imperatives, in which to obey one would result in transgressing another.
Etymology
The term "Ethical Dilemma" is derived from the Greek word "ethikos" which means character and "dilemma" which means a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable.
Definition
An Ethical Dilemma is a situation in which a person has to choose between two or more actions that have different moral implications. The choice can include a conflict of moral values, or the choice may be between equally unsatisfactory alternatives.
Related Terms
- Moral Dilemma: A situation in which any choice will violate some ethical standard.
- Ethics: The branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct.
- Moral Imperative: A principle originating inside a person's mind that compels that person to act.
- Conflict of Interest: A situation in which a person or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation for an act in the other.
Examples
Ethical dilemmas can occur in various fields such as medicine, law, business, and science. For instance, in medicine, an ethical dilemma could arise when a patient refuses a life-saving treatment due to religious beliefs. In law, an ethical dilemma could occur when a lawyer knows their client is guilty but must defend them to the best of their ability.
See Also
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