Module 3 Flashcards
A situation where two or more moral values or duties make demands on the decision maker, who can only honor one of them, resulting in a violation of at least one moral concern.
a moral (ethical) dilemma
How do moral dilemmas differ from simple decisions?
Moral dilemmas involve a choice between competing moral values, while simple decisions (like choosing an outfit) do not typically involve ethical considerations.
What are key characteristics of moral dilemmas?
A moral dilemma involves making a choice between moral values where one must compromise or violate another moral principle.
What question do people often ask themselves when faced with a moral dilemma?
“What should I do?” or “What ought I do now?”
What is the distinction between “right versus wrong” and “right versus right” dilemmas?
Right versus wrong” dilemmas have clear ethical answers, while “right versus right” dilemmas involve choosing between two morally acceptable options.
Provide an example of a classic moral dilemma mentioned in the module. (Hint: its in the bible)
King Herod’s dilemma where he had to choose between honoring his promise to his stepdaughter or preserving the life of John the Baptist.
What are false moral dilemmas?
Situations where the correct action is clear, but an individual feels tempted or pressured to act otherwise.
What are the crucial features of a moral dilemma identified by McConnell (2022)?
A: A. The agent must choose one of two moral options.
B. The agent is capable of doing each one.
C. The agent cannot do both.
A situation where an individual does not know which option is the most morally acceptable due to ambiguity.
epistemic moral dilemma
What kind of moral dilemma is this?
” A case worker must decide whether to file charges against a parent, knowing the charges are fabricated, creating uncertainty about the right action.”
Epistemic Dilemma
A dilemma where an individual must choose between two equivalent moral actions, both holding significant ethical weight.
ontological moral dilemma
What kind of moral dilemma is this?
“A person deciding whether to reveal a friend’s car’s engine problem, risking betrayal of trust with one friend or another.”
An ontological moral dilemma.
Ethical challenges that arise due to an individual’s own actions or decisions, often involving wrongdoing.
self-imposed moral dilemmas
Ethical challenges faced due to external circumstances beyond the individual’s control.
world-imposed moral dilemmas
What kind of moral dilemma is this?
” A CEO must decide whether to recall a cancer-causing product, risking bankruptcy and job loss while prioritizing public health.”
A world-imposed moral dilemma
What is the reasoned process involving gathering facts, identifying stakeholders, articulating the dilemma, listing alternatives, comparing alternatives with values, weighing consequences, and making a decision?
Ethical decision-making process
Why should emotions not be the only basis for ethical decision-making?
Ethical decisions require a reasoned approach to ensure that all aspects of the situation and its implications are carefully considered.
Describe the steps involved in the ethical decision-making process. (GIALCWM)
- Gather facts
- Identify stakeholders
- Articulate the dilemma
- List alternatives
- Compare alternatives with values
- Weigh the consequences
- Make a decision
What moral dilemma is this?
“A parent deciding whether to report their child for stealing a neighbor’s car or keep quiet to maintain trust with their child.”
This is a “right versus right” moral dilemma.
What are some key values often weighed in moral dilemmas
Truth, loyalty, fidelity, respect for privacy, and overall family harmony.
