Making ethical choices is never easy, but it helps to know what are ethical dilemmas and what comes down to doing the right thing rather than the wrong thing. Here are some insights—and tools—to understanding ethical dilemmas.
5. truth vs loyaltytruth vs loyalty
individual vs communityindividual vs community
short-term vs long-termshort-term vs long-term
justice vs mercyjustice vs mercy
44dilemma paradigmsdilemma paradigms
15. Is there a moral issue?Is there a moral issue?
Am I responsible?Am I responsible?
Is it right-vs-wrong?Is it right-vs-wrong?
Is it right-vs-right paradigm?Is it right-vs-right paradigm?
What are the facts?What are the facts?
16. Apply the resolution principles.Apply the resolution principles.
Make the decision.Make the decision.
Is there a third way?Is there a third way?
Reflect on the decision.Reflect on the decision.
18. Three Traditions in Ethics
Rule-based Character-based Ends-based
Actions EndsAgents
Kant Aristotle J. S. Mill
Wicks, et al, Business Ethics (2010), Prentice Hall
Dilemma paradigms are what journalist and ethics professor Rushworth Kidder called the situations we often find ourselves in.
The word “dilemma” is from the Greek: di, which means two, and lemma, which means an assumption or a premise. A dilemma, then, is having to chose between two premises—presumably of equal significance.
A paradigm is based on another Greek word which means to show side by side, as in a comparison. It can also mean a pattern which shows up in a series.
Kidder believed that there were four basic dilemma paradigms—each of them having constant application in our lives. These are dilemmas that we face all the time.
The essential aspect to an ethical dilemma is that it is a choice between two right options—or perhaps the lesser of two evils. It is not a choice between right and wrong. Why would anyone choose the wrong and think it could be justified in an ethical sense?
One of many definitions of ethics. This one has the virtues of brevity and cogency!
In the traditions of Western philosophy, there have been three common approaches for resolving ethical dilemmas.
The first is rule-based: doing what is right based on duty and principle.
The second is based on the best ends or goals achieved for the greatest number of participants.
The third is based on expressing one’s character, formed over time, and exhibiting the characteristics of ‘eudaimonia,’ the fulfilled life.
Immanuel Kant’s deontology is rule-based, doing one’s duty no matter the consequences.
John Stuart Mill’s utilitarian ethic seeks the greatest good for the greatest number
Aristotle’s Virtue ethics is based on doing those things which build character—with the goal of eudaimonia or fulfillment.
We can ask ourselves these questions to determine if it’s a moral or ethical dilemma.
We don’t have to make a binary choice, yes or no, up or down, right or left. With a little imagination and patience we can almost always come up with multiple options. A classic dilemma of two need not be inevitable. The point is we encourage creativity in almost everything else, so why not in ethics? Such an important aspect of life demands our best and most creative efforts!
These words paraphrased from Epictetus, Stoic philosopher, remind us that we are often called to adapt ourselves to the situation, to do the best we can under the circumstances.
So . . . a quick review. Three major figures in the history of ethics, with three different purposes, but all of them providing us with ways to think ourselves to a decision.
Five of the common principles that have a global application across many disciplines in ethics.