What is an Ethical Dilemma?

Summary

This video script explores the concept of ethical dilemmas, where individuals face tough decisions with conflicting values. It explains how ethics guide behavior through virtues, duties, and societal norms, often influenced by personal, professional, and cultural factors. The script discusses dilemmas such as truth vs loyalty, individual vs community, and justice vs mercy. It offers a three-step process for resolving ethical dilemmas: analyzing consequences, examining actions, and making informed decisions. The video encourages viewers to consider all options, consult others, and reflect on the impact of their choices, aiming to resolve ethical conflicts with integrity.

Takeaways

• 😀 An ethical dilemma is a conflict where any decision made compromises some ethical principle.
• 😀 Ethics guide individuals and societal behavior based on principles of right and wrong.
• 😀 Ethics can be influenced by laws, cultural norms, policies, personal experiences, philosophical thought, and religious traditions.
• 😀 Ethical dilemmas often involve choosing between two 'right' decisions, which may conflict with each other.
• 😀 Examples of ethical dilemmas include truth vs loyalty, individual vs community, short term vs long term, and justice vs mercy.
• 😀 The 'ends-based' approach to decision-making focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number.
• 😀 The 'rules-based' approach emphasizes sticking to the rules, regardless of the outcome.
• 😀 The 'care-based' approach encourages treating others how you would like to be treated.
• 😀 Ethical dilemmas require considering all options, not just the binary choices that seem available.
• 😀 A three-step process can resolve ethical dilemmas: Analyze the consequences, analyze the actions, and make a decision.
• 😀 After making a decision, reflect on its impacts and think about how to avoid similar dilemmas in the future.

Q & A

What is an ethical dilemma?

An ethical dilemma is a situation where a person faces two or more choices, all of which involve some ethical compromise. No matter which option is chosen, some ethical principle will be violated.

What are the key factors that guide ethics?

Ethics are guided by a combination of personal beliefs, professional codes of conduct, societal norms, laws, cultural values, policies, philosophical schools of thought, and religious traditions.

What are some examples of ethical dilemmas mentioned in the script?

Examples of ethical dilemmas include truth vs. loyalty, individual vs. community, short term vs. long term, and justice vs. mercy.

How do ethics differ from everyday decisions like choosing a shirt or dinner?

Everyday decisions like choosing a shirt or dinner involve personal preferences and are generally not guided by complex ethical reasoning, whereas ethical decisions require analyzing consequences, actions, and principles to determine the morally right choice.

What is the 'truth vs loyalty' dilemma, and can you provide an example?

The 'truth vs loyalty' dilemma occurs when a person has to choose between being truthful and remaining loyal. For example, if a friend asks for your opinion on a dress, but you don't find it attractive, do you tell the truth or remain supportive and lie?

What are the three approaches to ethical decision-making mentioned in the script?

The three approaches are: 1) Ends-based approach: choose the option that brings the greatest good for the greatest number; 2) Rules-based approach: stick to established rules regardless of the outcome; 3) Care-based approach: treat others the way you want to be treated.

Why is it important to consider all possible options in an ethical dilemma?

It is important to consider all possible options because we often limit ourselves to only two conflicting choices, even when other ethical alternatives may exist. This broadens the perspective and leads to a more informed decision.

What are the three steps in resolving an ethical dilemma?

The three steps are: 1) Analyze the consequences of each option, considering both the quantity and quality of the outcomes. 2) Analyze the actions involved, recognizing that some actions are inherently good or bad. 3) Make a decision based on this analysis and consult others if needed.

What should you do after making an ethical decision?

After making an ethical decision, it’s important to reflect on the impact of your choice and consider how to avoid similar dilemmas in the future. This reflection helps improve future decision-making.

What does the script say about the importance of speaking to others when faced with an ethical dilemma?

The script emphasizes that consulting others who are knowledgeable and ethical can help provide valuable insights, often assisting in making a more informed and balanced decision.