What do ethical dilemma mean

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An ethical dilemma occurs when there is a conflict between two sets of human values, both of which are judged to be good but both of which cannot be fully served. Freebase 3. How to pronounce ethical dilemma? Alex US English.

David US English. Mark US English. Daniel British. Libby British. Mia British. Karen Australian. Hayley Australian. Natasha Australian. Veena Indian. Priya Indian. Neerja Indian. Zira US English. Oliver British. Wendy British. Fred US English. It focuses on how human beings actually operate in the real world, rather than attempting to theorize about how they should operate.

Deciding how to best resolve difficult moral and ethical dilemmas is never easy especially when any choice violates the societal and ethical standards by which we have been taught to govern our lives. To learn more about these matters, explore the differences between ethics, morals and values. All rights reserved. Ethical Dilemma Situations Ethical dilemmas occur all too frequently in everyday life.

Michael is deciding whether to tell Roger that Phyllis is married when he receives a call from Daniel. Daniel suspects his wife is having an affair. Since Daniel and his wife share many friends and contacts with Michael, Daniel asks if Michael has heard anything regarding an affair. What should Michael do in this ethical dilemma? To whom does Michael owe greater friendship or loyalty in this situation? No matter who he tells, he knows that it is going to end up hurting one, if not both friends.

Should Michael reveal to Roger that Phyllis is married? Should Michael tell Daniel what he knows about Roger and Phyllis? Does that fact that Daniel asked him a direct question have an impact on what Michael should do? Should Michael speak up to both Daniel and Roger? Does he remain silent and hope his knowledge is never discovered?

Life or Death Impact Consider a situation in which a group of people are enjoying an outdoor adventure together. The group has to make an extremely difficult decision. Do they take an extreme action that will cost one member of the group her life?

Or, do they do nothing, knowing that chances are good that none of them will survive if that choice of action is taken. Who would be responsible for making such a decision? Is it different if the person who is stuck offers to sacrifice herself versus members of the group suggesting that she be eliminated? What are the consequences of facing such an extreme moral dilemma? What might the consequences be for the survivors if the group chose to kill the person who is stuck so they might survive?

Would there be legal consequences? What about guilt? Following the Rules One of the most important characteristics of an effective leader is treating people equitably.

Will they continue to break rules?