What are ethical dilemmas?
An ethical dilemma involves a situation that makes a person question what is the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ thing to do. Ethical dilemmas make individuals think about their obligations, duties or responsibilities. These dilemmas can be highly complex and difficult to resolve. Easier dilemmas involve a ‘right’ versus ‘wrong’ answer. A majority of people will agree, for example, that it is morally unacceptable to pretend that someone else’s work is their own. However, complex ethical dilemmas involve a decision between right and right. An example might be where you uncover a friend’s misdemeanour: You have a duty to your employer to report it, but also a duty to be loyal to your friend in a situation that could lead to his or her dismissal.
An ethical dilemma involves a situation that makes a person question what is the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ thing to do. Ethical dilemmas make individuals think about their obligations, duties or responsibilities. These dilemmas can be highly complex and difficult to resolve. Easier dilemmas may involve a ‘right’ versus ‘wrong’ answer. A majority of people will agree, for example, that it is morally unacceptable to pretend that someone else’s work is their own. However, complex ethical dilemmas involve a decision between right and right. An example might be where you uncover a friend’s misdemeanour: You have a duty to your employer to report it, but also a duty to be loyal to your friend in a situation that could lead to his or her dismissal.
