Description: The ethical dilemma refers to a situation where a person faces a difficult decision between two or more alternatives, each of which may have significant moral consequences. This type of dilemma arises when conflicting values, principles, or ethical norms make it challenging to choose a clear and correct option. Ethical dilemmas are common in various areas, such as medicine, business, politics, and everyday life, and may involve issues like justice, loyalty, responsibility, and the well-being of others. The complexity of these dilemmas lies in the fact that there is often no perfect solution; each alternative may involve sacrifices or compromises that affect different stakeholders. Therefore, analyzing an ethical dilemma requires deep reflection on the implications of each option and the values prioritized in decision-making. Resolving ethical dilemmas involves not only considering immediate consequences but also the long-term repercussions on people’s lives and society as a whole.
History: The concept of ethical dilemma has been discussed since antiquity, with philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle exploring moral and ethical issues. However, the term ‘dilemma’ comes from the Latin ‘dilemma’, which refers to a situation where one must choose between two options. Throughout history, the ethical dilemma has evolved and become more relevant in modern contexts, especially with the emergence of new technologies and complex social situations that challenge traditional ethical norms.
Uses: Ethical dilemmas are used in various disciplines, including professional ethics, philosophy, psychology, and education. In the professional realm, they are employed to train individuals in ethical decision-making, helping them recognize and analyze complex situations. In education, ethical dilemmas are used as pedagogical tools to promote critical thinking and discussion about moral values and principles.
Examples: A classic example of an ethical dilemma is the ‘trolley problem’, where a person must decide whether to pull a lever to divert a trolley heading towards five people tied to the tracks, sacrificing one person on the other track. Another example occurs in the medical field, where a doctor may face the decision to prioritize the treatment of a patient with better recovery prospects over another with lower chances of survival.