What is an ethical dilemma?

What is an ethical dilemma?

• A. A financial decision involving budget changes
• B. Choosing between two equal moral principles
• C. A situation requiring a collaboration with partners
• D. A disagreement between team members

Answer: (B)

An ethical dilemma is best defined by the situation where an individual must choose between two conflicting moral principles that are both significant and may lead to different consequences. In this scenario, the person finds themselves at a crossroads where each option holds ethical weight, making the decision difficult. For instance, consider a situation where one might have to choose between honesty and loyalty. Being honest could harm a friend, while being loyal to that friend could involve compromising one's values. This type of conflict illustrates the essence of an ethical dilemma, where values and principles are in contention. Other choices present valid scenarios but do not capture the essence of an ethical dilemma. A financial decision relates strictly to economic considerations, and collaboration with partners focuses on teamwork rather than moral conflict. Likewise, a disagreement between team members, while potentially challenging, does not necessarily involve ethical principles but rather differences in opinion that might not include moral quandaries. Thus, the choice that highlights the struggle between equal moral principles most accurately describes an ethical dilemma.

An ethical dilemma is best defined by the situation where an individual must choose between two conflicting moral principles that are both significant and may lead to different consequences. In this scenario, the person finds themselves at a crossroads where each option holds ethical weight, making the decision difficult.

For instance, consider a situation where one might have to choose between honesty and loyalty. Being honest could harm a friend, while being loyal to that friend could involve compromising one's values. This type of conflict illustrates the essence of an ethical dilemma, where values and principles are in contention.

Other choices present valid scenarios but do not capture the essence of an ethical dilemma. A financial decision relates strictly to economic considerations, and collaboration with partners focuses on teamwork rather than moral conflict. Likewise, a disagreement between team members, while potentially challenging, does not necessarily involve ethical principles but rather differences in opinion that might not include moral quandaries. Thus, the choice that highlights the struggle between equal moral principles most accurately describes an ethical dilemma.