Ethical dilemmas

• Ethical dilemma

  A situation in which an individual is faced with a decision that involves conflicting ethical principles, values, or obligations
• Ethical dilemma

  When you must make a tough decision because you want to do two good things, but you can't do both at the same time
• Four dilemmas that must be chosen between

  • Truth versus loyalty
  • Individual versus community
  • Short term versus long term
  • Justice versus mercy
• Three approaches to ethical reasoning

  • Rules or Principles-based
  • Utilitarian or Consequences-based
  • Virtues-based approach
• Ethics Triangle


  Figure that outlines three approaches to ethical reasoning: virtues-based, principles-based, and consequences-based
• Existentialism


  Concept that emphasizes an individual's freedom to make decisions free of influence from others
• Free will


  An important aspect of existentialism, as it allows individuals to take responsibility for their own choices
• Determinism


  The idea that all occurrences, thoughts, and actions are beyond the control of an individual
• Scientific determinism


  A more in-depth concept that deals with an individual's actions, character, and decisions as results associated with genetics or one's surroundings
• Intentionalism


  The premise that individuals have free will and are accountable for their actions and decisions
• When individuals are aware of external pressures, their impact on decision-making is reduced
• Deductive arguments

  Claim certainty, have conclusions that are either certain or uncertain
• Inductive arguments


  Claim probability, more complex to evaluate due to variations in individual interpretations of probability
• Sound vs unsound arguments in ethical decision making
• Evaluating the results of decisions