The Ethical Dilemma

Consider a scenario wherein a runaway trolley is headed towards a group of five people tied to the tracks, and you are standing next to a lever that can switch the trolley onto a different track, where there is only one person tied up. The ethical dilemma is whether or not to pull the lever and save the five people at the cost of sacrificing one person.

Now, imagine a scenario where the one person on the alternate track is someone you know, perhaps a close friend or family member. Would you still make the same decision to pull the lever and sacrifice that one person for the greater good? This scenario highlights the complexity of ethical dilemmas and the potential conflict between personal relationships and moral principles.

Ethical dilemmas are complex moral issues that arise when an individual is faced with two or more choices, each of which has its own moral consequence. In other words, ethical dilemmas involve a conflict between two or more moral principles, where choosing one would require the individual to violate the other. It can be challenging to make a decision when facing an ethical dilemma, and it is important to consider the potential consequences of each decision. This blog post will explore the concept of moral dilemmas, and the factors that contribute to them, and offer some solutions for dealing with them.

Factors contributing to Ethical Dilemmas: Ethical dilemmas can arise in any situation where there is a conflict between different moral principles or values. The following are some common factors that contribute to ethical dilemmas:

1. Conflicting values: Ethical dilemmas often arise when there is a conflict between two or more values, such as honesty and loyalty, or autonomy and beneficence.
2. Social norms: Social norms, which are the unwritten rules of behaviour in a society, can also contribute to ethical dilemmas. For example, a healthcare professional may be torn between following the patient’s wishes and following the social norm of preserving life.
3. Power dynamics: Power dynamics, which are the imbalances of power in a relationship, can also contribute to ethical dilemmas. For example, an employee may feel pressure to do something unethical because their boss is asking them to.
4. Lack of information: Ethical dilemmas can also arise when an individual does not have all the information they need to make an informed decision.

Solutions for dealing with Ethical Dilemmas: Dealing with ethical dilemmas can be challenging, but there are several strategies that individuals can use to help make the right decision. Some of these strategies include:

1. Seek advice: If you are facing an ethical dilemma, seek advice from a trusted colleague, friend or mentor who can offer an outside perspective.
2. Gather information: Make sure you have all the information you need before making a decision. This may involve conducting research or consulting with experts.
3. Identify your values: Identify your own personal values and principles and use them to guide your decision-making process.
4. Consult relevant policies and regulations: Consult relevant policies and regulations to ensure that your decision aligns with them.
5. Consider the consequences: Consider the potential consequences of each decision and choose the option that will have the most positive impact.

Social Experiment related to Ethical Dilemma: One famous social experiment highlighting ethical dilemmas is the Stanford Prison Experiment conducted by psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1971. The experiment was designed to investigate how individuals would react when placed in positions of power and authority over others. Participants were randomly assigned to be either prisoners or guards in a simulated prison environment.

The experiment was intended to last for two weeks but had to be terminated after just six days due to the extreme psychological distress experienced by the participants. The guards began to engage in abusive and sadistic behaviour towards the prisoners, and the prisoners experienced intense psychological trauma.

The Stanford Prison Experiment highlighted the ethical dilemma of balancing the needs of the research study against the well-being of the participants. While the study provided valuable insights into human behaviour, the harm caused to the participants was considered unethical.

Conclusion

Ethical dilemmas are complex issues that can arise in any situation where there is a conflict between different moral principles or values. The Trolley Problem is an example of an ethical dilemma that is often used to explore utilitarianism, and it highlights the difficulty of making ethical decisions in situations where there are no clear solutions. It is important to consider the potential consequences of each decision and to use strategies such as seeking advice, gathering information, identifying your values, consulting policies and regulations, and considering the consequences to make the right decision. Ultimately, it is important to strive to make ethical decisions that align with your own personal values and principles.