Lesson 3 Ethics • It comes via Latin from Greek

dilēmma, from; di- 'twice' +

TOPIC: MORAL DILEMMAS
lēmma 'premise'
GENUINE DILEMMA
• is from a Greek word for “ Double
• TO HAVE A GENUINE DILEMMA, Proposition
ONE OF THE CONFLICTING
( suggestion ) “ it was originally technical
SOLUTIONS SHOULD NOT
term of logic ( reasoning, judgment ) but we
OVERRIDE(TAKE PRIORITY
use it now for any time you have a
OVER ) THE OTHER. No biases,
problem with no satisfactory
personal interests
(acceptable) solution.
Telling the Truth vs. Protecting
Someone: When you ‘re in a difficult situation and
each option looks equally bad you’re in a
You know a close friend has done
dilemma
something wrong at work, which could
lead to serious consequences. Dilemma
Do you report the truth, potentially • Refers to a situation requiring a
causing your friend to lose their job, choice between equally undesirable
or do you stay silent to protect them, alternatives, any difficult or
knowing it could harm others? perplexing (confusing) situation
or problem.
Loyalty vs. Justice:
• IS A PROBLEM IN THE DECISION –
You discover that a family member has
MAKING BETWEEN TWO POSSIBLE
committed a crime.
OPTIONS, NETHEIR OF WHICH IS
Do you turn them in to uphold justice, ABSOLUTELY ACCEPTABLE FROM AN
or do you protect them out of loyalty ETHICAL PERSPECTIVE
to your family, even though it means
allowing a crime to go unpunished? A moral dilemma is a conflict in which
you have to choose between two or more
Sacrificing One for Many actions and have moral reasons for
choosing each action.
In a life-and-death situation, you have
the power to save a group of people,
A moral dilemma is a conflict where:
but doing so would require sacrificing 1.) You are presented with two or more
one innocent person. actions, all of which you have the ability to
Do you make the sacrifice to save perform.
2.) There are moral reasons for you to
many, or do you refuse, knowing it will
choose each of the actions.
lead to greater loss of life?
3.) You cannot perform all of the actions
• These examples illustrate the and have to choose which action (or
complexity of moral dilemmas, actions when there are three or more
where there is often no clear choices) to perform.
"right" answer, and any choice
• is a situation in which a person
made may involve some level of
faces a difficult choice between two
moral compromise. or more actions, each of which has
What's the origin of the word moral reasons or principles
supporting it, but the options
dilemma?
conflict with each other.
• The word is recorded from the • In such a dilemma, choosing one
early 16th century, denoting a option often means violating
form of argument involving a another important moral principle,
choice between equally making the decision challenging and
unfavorable alternatives. complex.
DIFFICULTIES/MORAL DILEMMAS These are the some practical Norms /guide of
what we should DO
• ARE SITUATIONS WHERE TWO OR
MORE MORAL VALUES OR DUTIES • YOU HAVE TO DECIDE BASED ON YOUR
MAKE DEMANDS ON THE DECISION- BEST JUDGEMENT ( analyze the
MAKER, WHO CAN ONLY HONOR ONE situation )
OF THEM, AND
• OR CHOOSE BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE
• THUS WILL VIOLATE AT LEAST ONE OF LESSER EVIL
IMPORTANT MORAL CONCERN, NO
MATTER WHAT HE OR SHE DECIDES • OR GREATER GOOD (Utilitarianism)
TO DO • OR URGENCY ( vital )
• IT PRESENTS SITUATIONS WHERE THERE
IS TENSION BETWEEN MORAL VALUES When faced with a moral dilemma, a
AND DUTIES THAT ARE MORE OR LESS person can take several steps to navigate
ON EQUAL FOOTING. the situation thoughtfully and ethically:
• THE DECISION-MAKER HAS TO CHOOSE 1. Identify the Dilemma
BETWEEN A WRONG AND ANOTHER
WRONG. Clearly define the conflicting values or
principles at stake. Understanding the nature of
• THE DECISION-MAKER IS DEADLOCK the dilemma is the first step toward making a
( end of the road ) thoughtful decision.
• A MORAL DILEMMA IS A SITUATION Gather Information
WHERE A PERSON HAS THE MORAL
OBLIGATION TO CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO Obtain all the relevant facts about the situation.
OPTIONS BOTH BASED ON MORAL Consider the possible consequences of each
STANDARDS, BUT HE/SHE CANNOT option and how they will affect everyone
CHOOSE BOTH, AND CHOOSING ONE involved.
MEANS VIOLATING THE OTHER
Consult Your Values
• In such a dilemma, choosing one
Reflect on your personal values and ethical
moral will result in violating
principles. Consider which principles are most
another; or, doing one thing could
important to you and how they align with the
bring positive results but is morally
options available.
wrong.
Consider the Consequences
• A common example is “stealing
from the rich to feed the poor.” Think about the short-term and long-term
consequences of each choice. How will your
B. MEANING OF FALSE DILEMMA
decision affect others? Will it cause harm or
IS A SITUATION WHERE THE DECISION-MAKER promote good? Sometimes, considering the
HAS A MORAL DUTY TO DO ONE THING, BUT IS impact of each option can clarify the best
TEMPTED OR UNDER PRESSURE TO DO course of action.
SOMETHING ELSE.
Seek Advice
• IS A CHOICE BETWEEN A RIGHT AND A
Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or professionals
WRONG.
who can offer different perspectives.
• EXAMPLE;A LAWYER OR AN Sometimes, others can help you see aspects of
ACCOUNTANT/DOCTOR CAN FACE AN the situation you might have overlooked.
OPPORTUNITY ( MONEY ) TO PRIORITIZE
6.Reflect on Similar Situations
SELF –INTEREST OVER THE CLIENTS
INTERESTS. Think about past experiences where you
faced a similar dilemma. What did you do, and
ULTIMATELY , DILEMMAS ARE CONFLICTS
what were the outcomes? This can help guide
IN THE APPLICATION OF MORAL
your current decision.
STANDARDS.
7.Consider the Golden Rule
• WHAT MORAL STANDARDS MUST BE
FOLLOWED? Ask yourself how you would feel if you were
in the other person's shoes. Would you want to
be treated in the same way you're considering
treating others?

8.Pray or Meditate:

If you're spiritual or religious, you might find

it helpful to pray for guidance or meditate to
find clarity and peace about the decision.

9.Make a Decision:

After considering all the factors, make a

decision that aligns with your values and the
best available information. Sometimes, no
option is perfect, but making a choice is
necessary.

10.Take Responsibility:

Once you've made your decision, take

responsibility for it. Be prepared to explain
your reasoning to others and accept the
consequences of your actions

11. Reflect on the Outcome:

After the decision has been made and the

consequences have played out, reflect on what
you learned from the experience. This reflection
can help you make better decisions in the future

Facing a moral dilemma can be challenging, but

by taking a thoughtful and principled approach,
you can make decisions that you feel are right
and just, even in difficult situations.