What is an Ethical Dilemma?

An ethical dilemma occurs when a person faces a situation where they must choose between two or more conflicting moral principles. These situations can be confusing and challenging, as each option may have its own set of pros and cons.

Common Examples of Ethical Dilemmas

• Professional Ethics: A doctor may have to choose between saving a life and respecting a patient's wishes.
• Personal Relationships: You might find yourself in a situation where telling the truth could hurt a friend.
• Workplace Decisions: An employee may need to decide whether to report unethical behavior, risking their job.

Types of Ethical Dilemmas

1. Personal vs. Professional: Balancing personal values with professional responsibilities.
2. Individual vs. Society: Choosing between what’s best for an individual and what benefits society.
3. Short-term vs. Long-term: Making decisions that may have immediate benefits but negative long-term consequences.

Steps to Resolve Ethical Dilemmas

1. Identify the Dilemma: Clearly define the problem you're facing.
2. Gather Information: Collect relevant facts and understand all sides of the situation.
3. Consider the Consequences: Think about the outcomes of each option. Who will be affected?
4. Evaluate Your Options: Reflect on which choice aligns best with your values and ethics.
5. Make a Decision: Choose the course of action that feels right to you.
6. Reflect on the Decision: Afterward, think about what you learned from the experience and how it could help in future dilemmas.

Real-Life Scenario

Imagine you are a social worker who discovers that a client has been abusing substances. You want to help them, but they also have children at home. You face an ethical dilemma:

• Option A: Report the situation, potentially separating the family.
• Option B: Keep it confidential, risking the children's safety.

In this case, you must weigh the importance of protecting the children against the principle of confidentiality. This is a classic ethical dilemma that many professionals encounter.

Conclusion

Ethical dilemmas are a part of life, and understanding how to navigate them can help us make better decisions. By recognizing different types of dilemmas and following practical steps, we can approach these challenging situations with more clarity and confidence.